PROVIDENCE – The state today officially kicked off the 2008 tourism season with hopes of broadening the $5.5 billion industry by, among other means, attracting more foreign travelers.
In an event at the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Museum in Providence, R.I. Tourism Division Director David C. DePetrillo said the state’s “superbly natural” settings and high-quality local cuisine are key elements of summer tourism in the Ocean State.
Each year, the state’s tourism industry produces 4,800 jobs with more than $1 billion in wages and benefits, said Saul Kaplan, executive director of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation.
Culinary tourism, Kaplan added, is the latest in a line of innovative travel ideas that also include the burgeoning geo-tourism efforts.
Gov. Donald L. Carcieri emphasized the increasing hotel base – the state now has more than 11,000 rooms – and growing convention and event infrastructure as draws for outside groups.
The Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the Providence Hilton and the Warwick Intermodal train station adjacent to T.F. Green Airport, where construction is expected to start this spring, are “all part of building the infrastructure to support what we know we have, and should be very proud of, in this state,” Carcieri said.
At least 77 cruise ships have planned stops in Rhode Island this year, DePetrillo said. And with the increased value of foreign currency, including Canadian dollars, the state probably can further increase visits from abroad.
Today’s event at JWU also included the launch of the “Rhode Island Official 2008 Travel Guide,” the annual guide from the R.I. Tourism Division. This year’s edition bears an image by Newport photographer David Hansen of the Emma, a Herreshoff sailboat out of Newport, catching the breeze on Narragansett Bay.
Additional information about the R.I. Tourism Division, the local tourism industry, or upcoming activities and events in the Ocean State is available atwww.VisitRhodeIsland.com.
