A recent report from the New England Economic Partnership stated that, “[Rhode Island must] identify sectors with comparative advantage and potential for job and income creation and then make significant efforts to attract those industries.”
Bravo, I say. Though, what to do in the meantime for income creation? Well, our state does have an existing industry “with comparative advantage and potential for job and income creation” that can be further capitalized: tourism and hospitality. According to IHS Global Insight, a financial analysis firm based in Lexington, Mass., 45,538 jobs, both direct and indirect, were sustained by travel and tourism last year, accounting for 9.4 percent of the state’s total employment.
Of course, Rhode Island needs to cultivate multiple industries to sustain economic development, and the tourism and hospitality industry may not initially be thought of to take our state to the next level. However, this is one industry that is uniquely positioned to instantly generate additional revenue, subsequent taxes and trickle-up spending. Rhode Island is fortunate to have this existing industry infrastructure that can be ramped up very quickly to help float our economic boat while we “identify [other] sectors with comparative advantage and potential for job and income creation and then make significant efforts to attract those industries.”
As we work to “identify and attract” – however long that may take – allow me to suggest we immediately rally behind the R.I. Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Growth Plan 2009, Action 5, Section 3 – Tourism, that states, “Marketed effectively, Rhode Island could be a prime tourist destination … accessible within three hours … to 50 million people.”
Let us further unite our collective resources in a proactive, private sector campaign to capitalize on our strengths of natural beauty, heritage, hospitality and location and roll out the red carpet to these 50 million consumers. Consistently filling our hotels and B&B’s to capacity will have an immediate, lasting and positive impact on our economy.
attract more overnight visits with enticing consumer offers and merchandising, coupled with a compelling invitation. The campaign is intended to make Rhode Island an even more attractive destination while driving consumer traffic directly to local shops, restaurants and attractions with a message to Discover Rhode Island’s indigenous products and services. Could “America’s First Resort” become known as the “Host State” to New England? In a heartbeat.
Doesn’t tourism create low-paying wages? True, many entry-level wages in the industry are relatively low, however, the opportunity for career advancement and family income stabilization is significant.
Won’t American workers shun tourism-industry jobs? Ask the 4,950 people who didn’t get work after 5,000 reportedly applied for 50 jobs at a recent Providence hotel opening. Wage and social-issue solutions will continually evolve. One thing is sure – Rhode Island is in need of cash flow now and building sustainable, year-round tourism is one solution to that conclusion.
How will this all happen? By individuals, businesses and government rallying behind, and adding to, the great work already being done by our tourism councils, chambers of commerce, nonprofits and business organizations.
There is already a working model program initiated within the South County business community to “further enhance current accommodation packaging.”
Our nonprofit organization, the End Hunger Foundation, recognizes that the tourism and hospitality industry plays a key role in alleviating hunger in our community by addressing the root cause of hunger; poverty. And that creating community wealth via this industry helps build small businesses, which in turn provide major support to local charities. •
Stephen M. Maciel is president of the End Hunger Foundation Inc. in West Greenwich. He can be reached at endhunger@cox.net.
