| 2nd Annual South County Bridal Show |
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 The South County Tourism Council and Southern New England Weddings presented the second not-for-profit South County Bridal Show on Sunday, January 11th at The Towers in Narragansett. The event highlighted South County's elegance that has remained both affordable and distinctive.
Despite the snowy weather, some of South County's finest businesses in the wedding industry arrived early in the morning to set up and make the last final touches of this successful event. Bridal vendors included in the festivities were A Airline Express Limousine and Car Service, Amalfi Fine Catering, Campany & Thornton Fine Jewelry, The Coast Guard House Restaurant, Dahl Video, Eventfully Planned, Flowerthyme, Meadow Brook Inn, Melissa Ashley Brides, Moondance Productions, Music Mixers DJ Entertainment, Nana's Gelato, Seth Jacobson Photography, Shelter Harbor Inn, Susan Sancomb Photography, Three Sisters Boutique, The Towers, Waldorf Tuxedo, Weedweavers, and West Bay Gourmet.
While promoting South County as an intimate wedding destination, the Council assisted brides, grooms and their families with their every detail, providing endless possibilities in Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich and Westerly. Myrna George, President of South County Tourism Council, praised the "collaboration and creativity of staff and vendors who once again provided timeless memories. As a jewel of the state, South County sparkled brightly on a snowy day. Thank you one and all for another successful event!" |
| Official South County Map |
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 The South County Tourism Council is proud to showcase the new, beautifully designed and easy to read Official South County Map.
"It captures the essence of the area," said President Myrna George. "Everyone who has seen it loves it... for its ease of use and simplicity of style."
With the assistance and collaboration of the entire staff, the map was created by Cliff Vanover, a well-known cartographer in South County who has been dedicated in providing improved wayfinding for visitors. He also created individual town maps for the 2008 and 2009 South County Style Vacation Planner.
The Official South County Map not only provides a useful list of accommodations, dining and transportation options, it also clearly defines the important natural areas, bike paths, museums, beaches and golf courses...all in subdued colors that reflect our natural beauty. |
| 5th Annual South County Blood Drive |
The South County Tourism Council will be holding its 5th Annual Blood Drive on Thursday, February 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Council's office is located at 4808 Tower Hill Road.
Last year we exceeded our expectations, making it the most successful blood drive to date. Let's all get out, roll up our sleeves and make this year's event even more of a success! |
| International Star Diamond Award |
 Rhode Island is the first U.S. state to receive the International Star Diamond Award for Recognition as a World-Class Destination and Excellence in Tourism. Baden-Baden, Germany and New York City have received this prestigious award presented by the American Academy of Hospitality Services, but never before has a state received this honor, and now Rhode Island is the first! Our beaches were included in the evaluation that granted Rhode Island this honor. Once again, this is a shining example of how working together really does make good things happen! Congratulations to one and all!
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| Website Traffic on the Rise |
According to the Council's website analysis, www.SouthCountyRI.com experienced higher visitation from July through December 2008 compared to the previous year. Total page views increased 20% during this time period. September saw an increase of 17%, October 26%, November 22% and December 11%. Continuous calendar of event updates and the ability to view South County Style Vacation Planner online are just a few reasons people keep coming back to visit us!
In early 2009 the Council will be upgrading all advertising space on the website to premium and enhanced sponsorhips with larger photographs. More details to follow.... |
| South County Tourism Council's Holiday Luncheon |
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On Tuesday, December 16 the Shelter Harbor Inn provided a gourmet luncheon to celebrate the holidays among board members, legislators, tour guides, colleagues and friends. All those in attendance enjoyed the merriment and holiday festivities! |
| National Civic Tourism Conference |
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When tourism planners discuss how to market a place in ways that capture and honor what's authentic and characteristic, the South County Tourism Council has always been there in support.
This year, the Council was a sponsor of The Sustainable Tourism Planning & Development Laboratory at the National Civic Tourism Conference at the Blackstone River Valley, October 15 through 18.
Attendees discussed new theories and practices on tourism development. Far too often tourism is not necessarily integrated and engaged fully in the community. The conference explored the ways that tourism can help the community preserve and enhance what we love about our community while revitalizing the economy.
After attending the last National Civic Tourism Council Conference in Prescott, Arizona in 2006, South County Tourism Council was delighted that this year's conference was closer to home. We are proud to have partners who share the same goal of boosting tourism, while still honoring the culture and history and ecology that have made South County, Rhode Island the destination that it is. |
| Tourism Industry Marketing & Ed. Conference |
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The Rhode Island Tourism Division presents its first Tourism Industry Marketing & Education Conference, to take place on Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick. The presentation will include:
- Niche Marketing in a Diverse Community
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social Media
- Sustainability and the Green World
- Making Public Relations Work For You
To register for this event and details on each session please visit www.visitrhodeisland.com/TIMEC. | |
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