You don’t have to be a destination for travelers to tap into the state’s ever-burgeoning tourism industry, says Evan Smith, president of the Newport & Bristol County Convention and Visitors Bureau, based in Newport.
In fact, any local company can play.
“Think about collaborations and partnerships. Think about overnight stays. Think about meals and restaurants” in the coming year, Smith said.
He pointed to the example of a Hyundai dealership in Middletown that is enticing customers by offering coupons with discounts to area restaurants, stores and cultural attractions. “Here’s a local dealership partnering with local hospitality businesses to both parties’ benefit,” Smith said. “It is helping the local dealership to get more shoppers and local businesses to get more business.”
Many companies and professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and accountants, have top clients they want to recognize with special gifts, not just at the holidays but all year long for anniversaries, special achievements and the like. But instead of the usual floral arrangement or fruit basket, Smith suggests giving a special client a sailing excursion in Newport, providing a trip to Block Island or tickets to the zoo or museums in Providence.
Banks that give gifts for opening new checking accounts and credit card companies that provide travel benefits caught onto this trend long ago, he noted.
“There is a big world of opportunity out there, and businesses can use the hospitality industry to reinforce the allegiance of their best clients,” Smith said. •
