Robert Billington - Providence Business News

James Toomey / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Five questions with James Toomey

5Q 02/27/2026

James Toomey | Executive director, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council 1. With the FIFA World Cup matches being played at Gillette Stadium this summer and...

LEADERS FROM SEVERAL regional tourism districts say initiatives spearheaded by R.I. Commerce Corp.’s marketing division under the leadership of Anika Kimble-Huntley should ease the transition to her replacement./ COURTESY R.I. TOURISM DIVISION

Regional tourism leaders hopeful next R.I. marketing chief will build on...

Economy 05/23/2025

PROVIDENCE – In March 2020, as much of the country’s economic activity was grinding to a halt due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the...

PROMISE LANDS? Pawtucket has purchased about 20 acres of property in the downtown area, including the former Apex department store property at the far right and other abutting parcels to the right of the river. Officials are seeking proposals for the so-called “Downtown Gateway Project.”  COURTESY CITY OF PAWTUCKET

Pawtucket attempting a historic downtown development

Focus 10/25/2024

Pawtucket is searching for private partners with big pockets and big ideas. In recent years, the city has acquired several properties totaling about 20 acres...

Trolling for dollars: South County Tourism Council hopes artist’s work lures...

Economy 03/22/2024

CHARLESTOWN – After a multi-year delay, a world-renowned artist is bringing his giant trolls to South County, part of a new $123,000 marketing initiative...

Regional tourism leaders optimistic new slogan can be ‘All That’ and...

Economy 03/06/2024

PROVIDENCE – R.I. Commerce Corp. recently unveiled a long-planned statewide marketing campaign, announcing to the world the Ocean State is “All That” and a...

HISTORIC SLATER MILL has seen the number of people visiting increase this year. PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

In Blackstone Valley, effects of national park designation still evolving

Hospitality & Tourism 08/11/2023

State, federal and local tourism officials have for years been working to make the Blackstone Valley and its attractions a source of economic stimulus,...

ON GUARD: Becky and Tim Clark, owners of The Beachead restaurant on Block Island, say business hasn’t been quite as robust so far this summer.  PBN PHOTO/ K. CURTIS

R.I. tourism stays local: Regional campaigns lead the way this summer

Cover Story 08/04/2023

Just days before the start of the high season in Newport in early July, local tourism officials gathered to talk status and strategy. At the...

THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE is joining forces with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to embark on a $500,000 tourism campaign aimed at showcasing the city’s attractions. Pictured is the recently renovated pier on the city's waterfront. / COURTESY CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

East Providence joins Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to launch tourism campaign

Government 01/07/2022

EAST PROVIDENCE – The city of East Providence has joined forces with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to embark on a $500,000 tourism campaign...

R.I.’s top tourism job in limbo

Coronavirus 10/09/2020

Almost five months after the state’s top tourism official resigned, R.I. Commerce Corp.’s promotional efforts “haven’t skipped a beat,” according to the agency’s interim...