State officials and business leaders are justifiably concerned about the impact that the events of Sept. 11 will have on our $3 billion tourism and hospitality industry.
The short-term response is to promote Rhode Island to both Rhode Islanders and New Englanders – reminding them that they need not travel far to enjoy beautiful beaches and parks, historic places, and of course, a collection of some of the finest restaurants in the world.
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That seems a reasonable approach.
We suspect there are countless New Englanders who have yet to embrace the beauty of Newport, for example, or to have explored the rich history of the Blackstone Valley – birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
The importance of our tourism and hospitality industry can not be understated. When this newspaper first arrived in Providence, a decade-and-a-half ago, stories of tourism revolved around Newport. The idea of Providence being touted as a tourist destination was virtually unthinkable.
But much has changed since that time. Now, all of Rhode Island, particularly Providence, is seen as a wonderful place not only to live – but also to visit.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that we work hard to bolster an industry that has been so good to us.
That people are willing to travel here is important not only for the dollars it adds each year to our coffers, but also because it helps establish us as a place to be. That is where existing companies want to grow and new ones want to come – to a place where people want to be.
In the short-term, our tourism and hospitality industry will take a hit. But perhaps not as hard a hit as others. It should help that we are seen as a second-tier destination. Top-tier destinations, like New York City, Boston and Los Angeles, are sure to be hit harder by any decline in leisure spending.
Short-term there are reasons to believe Rhode Island can stave off a devastating blow. For the long term, we must support the tourism and hospitality industry because of what it means to other, emerging industries. Those technologically driven industries – the ones that should ultimately shape our economic future – need people to flourish.
The Rhode Island economy began its transition from being manufacturing-based to being more service-based in the late 1980s. Since that time we have seen a mammoth mall open in Providence, and several hotels and restaurants spring up. More hotels are planned for downtown and in other parts of the state. We have watched our tourism industry grow exponentially year after year.
Rhode Island, and its capital city, Providence, have been lauded in national magazines and featured on network television.
It has been a terrific ride.
With any luck the recession we now face will be short-lived. Several economists have suggested that it may last for about two fiscal quarters. As consumer confidence returns, so too should the strength of our local economy. That should mean a return to good times for hotels, restaurants and retail centers.
It should also be a time to invest in those industries that may be fueled by a strong tourism and hospitality sector.
