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The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Rhode Island
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Appendix
Rhode Island and the Future of Sustainable Tourism
Rhode Island benefits in numerous ways from tourism; indeed tourism is one of the state’s leading
industries. In 2006 the industry supports 63,368 jobs and $5 billion in visitor spending. The intervening
years, however, have not been kind to the industry. Visitors and revenues are down, and
jobs have been lost but the tourism industry in Rhode Island has not lost the jobs and revenues
that other economic sectors have.
Overall the national economic crisis has hit Rhode Island and the industry harder than most states.
Consequently, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, with release of its 2009
Economic Growth Plan, proposed to rebuild and reinvigorate Rhode Island’s economy. Their stated
mission is clear: “Create opportunities to bring new companies into the state and get Rhode Island
Working Again”
Attracting new hospitality and tourism enterprises and providing incentives for them to establish
themselves in Rhode Island, however, may be extremely difficult. First of all the tourism industry
that exists and is locally owned deserves priority attention, greater support, and re-invigoration.
Indeed this was one call-for-action that led to the Tourism Summit.
There is a tendency to take Rhode Island’s numerous appealing attractions for granted. Pride in
them is understandable, but it may be insufficient to garner more visitors. The 100 beaches, 1,400
river miles, 400 miles of shoreline, and the state’s coastal areas receive lots of attention, but these
natural attractions are offered by competing destinations as well; and, they are not differentiating,
except for some communities that are close by and have a degree of notoriety.
What does help Rhode Island differentiate is its diversity, particularly its complimentary historical
and cultural attractions scattered throughout the state. The future of tourism within the state is
dependent on continuation of a dream and vision Nothing is more critical to the economic revival
of the state than revival of its communities and the sense of looming opportunities that would
spur entrepreneurial activity and establish an unflappable esprit de corps.
“Getting Rhode Island Working Again” begins at the local level – investing in communities, people
and place. Indeed it is investment in the quality of community life that will make Rhode Island a
natural choice for new industry, as well as more visitors. Vibrant communities, hospitable people,
beautiful street- and landscapes, community pride, and exciting activities will rejuvenate not only
tourism, but the state’s economy.
Summit Report
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