PWCVB touts Providence occupancy rate for FY19, celebrates awardees at annual meeting

KRISTEN ADAMO, left, and Kimberly Greene, right, induct Karen Silva, department chair of graduate business programs at Johnson & Wales University, into the PWCVB Hall of Fame. / PROVIDENCE WARWICK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
KRISTEN ADAMO, left, and Kimberly Greene, right, induct Karen Silva, department chair of graduate business programs at Johnson & Wales University, into the PWCVB Hall of Fame. / PROVIDENCE WARWICK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PROVIDENCE – At the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting, PWCVB CEO and President Kristen Adamo described the region’s tourism industry as “flourishing.”

The event, highlighting the tourism industry’s performance in fiscal year 2019, took place at the R.I. Convention Center Tuesday evening, where nearly 300 guests were in attendance.

The PWCVB touted a 71.7% hotel occupancy for the fiscal year, which was a slight decline from the 74.2% in fiscal 2018. The PWCVB noted that he occupancy rate in Providence continues to exceed the national average of 66.6%.

The PWCVB said that supply grew by 5% year over year and occupancy was down 3.3% for the year, showing that the industry utilized a portion of the new supply.

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There are currently 2,796 hotel rooms in Providence, an increase from 2,620 one year ago, according to the PWCVB.

The organization said that in fiscal 2019, 284 meeting conventions and sporting events were booked for future years that are expected to result in $87 million in direct spending.

The PWCVB also highlighted that the GoProvidence.com website had more than 4.2 million page views for the fiscal year.

The PWCVB also honored 27 recipients during its Recognition of Service Excellence awards Tuesday, inducted an individual into the PWCVB Hall of Fame and named its partner of the year at the event.

“At the PWCVB, we never forget that the work we do has an impact on the lives and families of thousands of people, who rely on full hotels, restaurants, buses and tourist attractions to keep their jobs,” Adamo said. “We do our best so we can provide other people with the opportunity to do their best, [such as] the award winners we honor today.”

Awardees at the Fiscal 2019 Annual Meeting:

Karen Silva, department chair of graduate business programs at Johnson & Wales University, was inducted to the PWCVB Hall of Fame. Silva was honored for her work with students entering the hospitality industry. Silva also has served on the PWCVB board.

Paul Adams was awarded the Sports Champion Award this year for his sports and hospitality experience at both Rhode Island College and the Providence Marriott, the organization said.

The Providence Performing Arts Center was named the Partner of the Year, honoring the theater for its role as a top tourist attraction, as well as for its conservation and education efforts.

The following are the 27 recipients of the ROSE awards:

  • Brendan Adams, busser and food runner at the Lobster Pot
  • Scott Alexander, docent and walking tour guide at the John Brown House Museum
  • Laura Amato, waitress at Andino’s
  • Amanda Bogardus, server and bartender at Providence GPub
  • Robert Carmody, shuttle driver at the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown
  • Michael Cesario, cook at Wicked Good Bar & Grill
  • Steven M. Fiorentini, customer service senior analyst at the R.I. Public Transit Authority
  • James Fogarty, banquet captain at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick
  • Reynell Guerrero, line and prep cook at the Tiverton Casino Hotel
  • Charbelle Khattar, server and bartender at the Rooftop at the Providence G
  • Michael Laurent, head of maintenance at Homewood Suites by Hilton – Warwick
  • Ingrid Lopez, sales coordinator at the Fairfield by Marriott Providence Airport Warwick
  • David Martinez, server and trainer at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
  • Laura McCoy, housekeeping supervisor at Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown
  • Kelly McDonald, house manager at Trinity Repertory Company
  • Jose Minaya, houseperson at the Omni Providence Hotel
  • Jennifer Noble, events assistant at the Ballroom at the Providence G
  • Andrea Oliva, bartender at Iron Works
  • Arleen Oliva, senior national sales manager at the R.I. Convention Center
  • Daiana Pina, cook at the Twin River Event Center
  • Haydee Ramos, banquet captain at the Providence Marriott Downtown
  • Desiree Rinaldi, banquet server at the Graduate Providence
  • Eva Rocha, bartender and server at the Twin River Casino Hotel
  • Freddie Rodriquez, bartender at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse
  • Audrey Sweetwood, server at Sarto
  • Jessie Winters, private event assistant at Gracie’s
  • Monika P. Zuluaga, vice president of membership and marketing at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association

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