Governor Chafee, RI Tourism Honor Individuals and Organizations that Positively Impact State's Tourism Industry
May 11, 2011 | Print this page | Share This |
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Rhode Island Tourism Division and other state tourism leaders today honored individuals and organizations throughout Rhode Island at the 26th Anniversary Tourism Unity Luncheon and Travel Exchange. All honorees were chosen based on their collaboration and partnership, which has positively impacted the Rhode Island tourism industry.
Governor Chafee acknowledged the honorees for helping to make Rhode Island a diverse and highly attractive destination for tourists from around the world. The Ocean State’s natural beauty, amazing history and wealth of cultural attractions and events have turned tourism into a $5.8 billion industry with 66,000 jobs in the state.
“I have consistently stated that in order for Rhode Island to prosper, we must take advantage of our existing assets, and our tourism industry is one of Rhode Island’s foremost assets,” Governor Chafee said. “We have a unique history and natural environment and beauty that no other state can match – we must capitalize on that and use it strategically to our advantage.”
Mark Brodeur, Director of Tourism at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, also covered some highlights in Rhode Island tourism, including:
• How the power of travel has benefited Rhode Island
• Rhode Island’s launch of their its new mobile website, which will increase the amount of traffic viewing all attractions Rhode Island offers.
• How vital Rhode Island’s redesigned and formatted travel guide will be toward marketing the state’s most treasured attractions.
The luncheon featured 27 exhibitors who participated in the event’s Travel Exchange, which provides an opportunity for media, travel trade and private sector organizations to network and promote their services.
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Tourism Division partnered to secure live performances and develop a media presentation featuring the work of Rhode Island artists. The Moremi African Beats Inc. and the Eastern Medicine Singers played during the prelude, providing traditional African music, dance, and drumming performance. The CrissCross Orchestra, a dance band with a variety of global sounds and contagious energy, played after the welcome ceremony. AAA Horizons, Academy, RIPTA, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel Warwick provided additional sponsorships for the event.
Regional Tourism Award Honorees
• Providence & Worcester RR, Blackstone Valley Region - Located in Lincoln, the company is the only interstate freight carrier serving the State of Rhode Island and possesses the exclusive and perpetual right to conduct freight operations over the Northeast Corridor between New Haven, Connecticut and the Massachusetts/ Rhode Island border.
• Taste of Block Island Committee, Block Island Region - A wide range of events taking place all around the island by the “Taste of Block Island Committee” allows those to experience Block Island’s food, lodgings, beaches, activities, shopping, and hospitality.
• Downtown Bristol Merchants Association Bristol County Region – A association of Bristol Merchants and organizations that enhance the business environment for the profitability of our members through mutual cooperation by common marketing advocacy, event hosting and sharing of best business practices.
• WADK AM, Newport County Region – Currently located off Thames in Newport, the News Talk radio station originally was established in 1948 to serve the Newport County.
• Neil Schriever, Providence Region - The Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau selected Neil Schriever, Senior Vice President. With more than 20 years of experience of working in various markets and representing different types of properties and destinations, Schriever has shown strength in leadership, implementation, sales strategies, account development, and building relationships.
• Matunuck Oyster Farm & Restaurant, South County Region – Located in Matunuck, all of the shellfish served is grown and maintained at The Matunuck Oyster Farm in East Matunuck, The farm, which was established in 1992 offers educational field trips to show how shellfish are cultivated using local waters.
• Central RI Chamber, Warwick Region - Located off Post Road in Warwick, the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is organized to support and advance the business community in Rhode Island by providing leadership initiatives in economic and human development.
• John Gibbons, Special Recognition Award – Executive Director at Rhode Island Sports Commission, his specialties include lining up sports venues, coordinating hotel blocks for small to large sporting events in Rhode Island, and assisting clients through the government regulation and public safety.