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The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Rhode Island
Thursday, January 28, 2010
expenditures, and positive word-of-mouth. As the only way to build a brand and create
tourism jobs, competency building efforts have to be brought to those with the greatest
need. For example, the banking community could play a more formidable role in helping
small businesses improve their accounting and financial management skills.
6. Encourage the implementation of the GeoTourism Charter signed in Rhode Island in 2007.
• Rhode Island was very perceptive in signing the GeoTourism Charter. The concept of
Geotourism was introduced to Rhode Island at a 2006 Sustainable Tourism Laboratory
with the Governor signing an agreement with the National Geographic Society’s Center for
Sustainable Destinations in 2007 to build our state programs using the Geotourism principles
as our guide. The concept of Geotourism dovetails perfectly with RIEDC’s desire to build a
sustainable “green” economy. While implementation of the charter has stalled, it represents
a golden opportunity to encourage and build a statewide sustainable tourism industry.
Imagine the goodwill this will create: As quality-of-living indices surge, business
relocation and new business development decisions would be much more favorable.
Rhode Island could establish a nation-wide base for Green Economy enterprises.
7. Foster the development of a positive policy framework by redefining tourism’s role in the
State Guide Plan, and encouraging development of a strategic plan for tourism within the state.
• The State Guide Plan’s vision matches perfectly with the visions for sustainable tourism
that were articulated during the Summit:
Rhode Island of 2025 will be a unique and special place, retaining its distinctive landscape,
history, traditions, and natural beauty, while growing to meet visitors’ and resident needs for
a thrilling experience (thriving economy) and a vibrant place to visit and live.
• Major state industries that incorporate a cluster of complementary enterprises, especially
ones that manifest a “local supply chain” deserve special consideration and recognition.
Most states have tourism strategy plans in order to ensure tourism remains a major growth
industry; however, to really make these plans comprehensive and to more effectively align
tourism with more mainstream industrial sectors (particularly agriculture, recreation,
entertainment, sports, and the arts and culture) it is imperative that these sectors or
industries become more thoroughly integrated and mutually supportive. Tourism, after all,
highlights the distinctiveness of a region that is revealed through its constellation of stars.
Summit Report
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