ORGANIZATION: The Rhode Island Tourism Division
WHERE TO FIND IT: www.visitrhodeisland.com
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CRITIQUE: It’s one thing to provide Rhode Islanders a list of weekend diversions. It’s another to give, say, a Texan a few good reasons to kick around our tiny state. The temptation in that case would be to lure him or her with a flashy Web site packed with a “bizillion” things to do. The smart thing would be to build a context in which information serves to tease, rather than bombard, the would-be tourist. The Rhode Island Tourism Division has played it smart.
NAVIGATION
This site (viewed on Netscape Navigator version 3.01) is highly accessible, thanks to a menu bar with six categories – attractions, recreation, lodging, calendar, RI facts and transportation – and a roll over feature explaining what’s behind each door. Pictures and graphics – of which there is at least one on every page – download quickly.
CONTENT
It’s the Tourism Division’s job to sell people on the state. And no sale is complete without the pitch. Perhaps that’s why the creators included a brief narrative about the subject at hand on almost every main page. Although brochure-like in its tenor, the pitch gives the browser enough information to let him or her decide whether to proceed or click elsewhere.
What makes the site truly comprehensive are links to regional tourism bureaus or attractions, such as the Newport mansions or even the Department of Environmental Management for details about state beaches and parks.
A “shortcuts” option called “family fun” (reached via a pull-down menu on the home page) is a place where the site falls short. The section is chock full of good ideas for a family vacation and the descriptions are well-written. However, it provides no telephone numbers or links to basic information, from hours of operations to prices. Most of those details can be found elsewhere. But why make the browser work?
USABILITY
In contrast, the Tourism Division gave people a real break under another “shortcuts” option called “sample itineraries.” This feature allows those in search of a cultural, historical, outdoors, family or romantic getaway to imagine what that might be like in the Ocean State. Over three days, the site suggests morning, afternoon and evening excursions. Residents numb to their surroundings could also make use of this.
Considering Rhode Island’s culinary prowess, it’s unfortunate that a click on the dining guide results in a “coming soon” message. It would be preferable to provide something in its place – an already established link to a newspaper or magazine guide, perhaps – while the Tourism Division works on its own.
Also useful for tour operators is information about everything from rest facilities to requirements for bringing motor coaches into the state. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are included.
DESIGN
There is nothing interactive about this site. And there doesn’t need to be. It’s clean and, most importantly, it delivers. The on-line tour is enhanced by changing color schemes in bright, but non-offensive, tones. The photography is eye-catching and includes some close-ups of people, as opposed to post-card shots only.
WHO CREATED IT: Rhode Island Tourism Division/America House Communications (www.americahouse.com)
