Governor, State Tourism Officials Celebrate “Tourism Works for Rhode Island,” at 24th Annual Industry Tourism Luncheon
Related Media Coverage and Links
May 14, 2009 | Print this page | Share This |
Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation, Regional Standouts to be Honored
Governor Donald L. Carcieri, state tourism officials and more than 300 members of the tourism and hospitality industry gathered for the 24th Annual Tourism Unity Luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Providence. The theme of this year’s luncheon, “Tourism Works for Rhode Island,” celebrates the tourism industry’s tremendous economic impact on the state.
Tourism is the fourth-largest industry in the state based upon jobs, employing one out of every 10 Rhode Islanders. According to a 2008 report conducted by Global Insight, tourism is a $6.8 billion industry in Rhode Island, representing 5 percent of the gross state product: every year, more than 16 million people come to the Ocean State for authentic vacation experiences that include pristine beaches, historic and cultural sites, outdoor activities and world-class culinary experiences. In 2007, tourist spending generated 12 percent of all state and local tax revenue and accounted for 4 percent of all restaurant sales.
“Many people do not realize the trickle-down effect that the tourism industry has on our economy,” said Mark Brodeur, director of the Rhode Island Tourism Division. “Tourism channels $1.03 billion annually to other industries in the state. For example, a tourist may use a patronize a hotel and restaurant on his visit; this in turn generates business from food wholesalers and linen companies.”
At the luncheon, tourism officials are set to unveil a new Web site, TourismWorksForRI.com, which demonstrates the industry’s impact on the state’s economy. The site includes statistics about the industry, a searchable database of industry events, news from industry partners and information about the state’s new tourism Ambassador Program. The site also invites Rhode Islanders to share how tourism works in their individual communities.
Tourism officials will also use the luncheon to reveal new marketing strategies to attract vacationers who are taking trips close to home, seeking value and planning their visits later due to the economic downturn, as well as business travelers. These strategies are synergistic with local organizations, businesses and restaurants and will maximize the effectiveness of efforts to attract visitors to Rhode Island.
“Travel and tourism is one of Rhode Island’s most valued industries, supporting more than 55,000 jobs within the state,” said J. Michael Saul, interim executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. “With our state’s unmatched natural, historical and cultural attractions, it is no surprise that tourism and hospitality is Rhode Island’s fourth largest industry.”
One new initiative and a powerful opportunity to boost the state’s economy is the Ambassador Program, a joint effort by the Rhode Island Tourism Division, regional convention and visitors’ bureaus, the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and Governor Carcieri’s office. These tourism and hospitality partners are reaching out to residents in Rhode Island businesses, state departments, hospitals, colleges and universities and non-profit organizations to inform them of the ways in which they can help spread the word about Rhode Island as a destination for meetings and conventions and bring groups they are affiliated with to meet in the state.
The partners have developed a set of tools to create awareness and educate Rhode Islanders on how to take part as an Ambassador, including a new Meetings and Conventions area of VisitRhodeIsland.com that features representatives who can help organize a meeting in Rhode Island, as well as the aforementioned TourismWorksForRI.com, which offers a wealth of tourism and hospitality industry information, resources and statistics. Both sites will include a new Ambassador “how-to” video, which will premiere at the luncheon, featuring Governor Carcieri, industry representatives and personal accounts of Rhode Islanders who have already helped bring groups to the state.
Tourism officials will also present enhancements to the Rhode Island Tourism Web site, VisitRhodeIsland.com, which will give Rhode Island businesses access to tourists browsing the site via direct Web solutions, including:
• Arts Calendar: a collaboration with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, artists can populate the site’s events and arts calendars with artistic and cultural activities in the state.
• Who’s Cooking in Rhode Island? Showcasing Rhode Island’s world-renowned culinary scene, local restaurants can now submit information, including chef bios, recipes and coupons, to be featured on the “Eat” page of the site. A search function will also be included.
• Travel Offers: a new page on the site allows Rhode Island businesses to submit deals and special offers on the site for visitors to print and use. Coupons will be searchable by region, date of trip and attraction. This tool is especially critical given the economic climate and the fact that most visitors plan their trips online.
Governor Carcieri will also present the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) with the Rhode Island Tourism Special Recognition Award, the industry’s highest form of acclaim, at the luncheon. A non-profit Rhode Island corporation, the RIHEF was formed with the purpose of encouraging individuals to embark on a career in the foodservice and hospitality industries in the state. RIHEF achieves this through the use of scholarships, grants, and endowments in conjunction with course curriculum involving foodservice and hospitality management and other associated activities.
“I applaud the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation for its commitment to keeping our hospitality and foodservice workforce strong through training opportunities and continuing education programs. A solid hospitality workforce is one of our state’s biggest assets,” said Governor Carcieri. “The organization also does a great service in promoting the value of the hospitality industry to the public, further demonstrating how Tourism Works for Rhode Island.”
In addition to the RIHEF, officials will recognize Regional Tourism Award winners, including Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Harrisville, George Dodge of Block Island, the Town of Bristol, the American Sail Training Association in Newport, James DeRentis of Providence, Yawgoo Valley Ski & Sports Park in Exeter and the NYLO Hotel in Warwick.
