| Extra! Extra! Read All About It! |
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South County Tourism Council's advertising campaign is in high gear, featuring the region's coastline and countryside. In addition to targeting 20 million visitors, South County Tourism Council hosted jounalist interviews, producing extra, positive, free editorials, which have generated visitor interest in South County!
In their July 3 edition, the national publication Woman's World provided 3 million Americans with a 2-page spread entitled, "Rhode Island's Summer-Perfect South County". Highlights of our region included - Narragansett Town Beach, Jewels of the Bay Cruise, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Kettle Pond Visitors Center, Wakefield's Main Street, South County Balloon Festival, Watch Hill, Wickford Village, Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, exploring historic villages and biking scenic trails, swimmers, surfers, kayakers, sails and sun worshipers...and Sweenor's Chocolates, too!
Providence Business News, Dining Out Editor, Bruce Newbury, has written a delicious piece on South County restaurants. South County eateries mentioned were - Nordic Lodge in Charlestown, George's of Galilee, Elliot's at the Lighthouse Inn, Turtle Soup, and Liliana's at the Holiday Inn in South Kingstown. |
| South County Wayfinding |
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South County's 11 towns host 3 million visitors per year. Ease of finding attractions and amenities are critical to those 3 million visitors within South County.
The Roger Brooks Assessment of South County Tourism Region spotlighted wayfinding, which is the ability to find attractions and amenities. Roger noted, "It seemed that the region only allows Emergency Evacuation Route signage. If you want to leave, no problem. If you want to find attractions and spend time and money, you're on your own." South County Tourism Council has taken Roger's observations and communicated them to town and state officials. The Department of Transportation was very responsive to our requests.
As a result, there has been improved signage throughout the region. Among them, you may have noticed our new blue and white sign on Tower Hill Road, announcing "SOUTH COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL" to north and south bound visitors. |
| Aunt Carrie's - An American Classic |
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The James Beard Foundation "American Classic" Awards are presented annually to four, small, regional restaurants that have offered good, down home food and unmatched hospitality for generations. Offering a very distinct menu and atmosphere, Aunt Carrie's is a slice of American culinary history. Members of the Award Committee wrote, "Aunt Carries is described as the birthplace of the clam cake (a deep fried, clam-studded bread dumpling). Aunt Carrie's has been serving up Rhode Island classics since 1920...attracting crowds of hungry, loyal patrons eager for a taste of the fried scallops, clam chowder and fresh-baked apple pies they've enjoyed since childhood." Congratulations! |
| Ocean State Chocolates - "Best of New England" |
Ocean State Chocolates and Confections of Wickford, has been awarded "Best Chocolates of New England" by Boston Magazine's New England Travel & Life 2007 Best of New England. Incorporating "local and regional flavors," Ocean State Chocolates creates all of its chocolate products by hand in small batches using Old World artisan methods. Shortly after it's establishment in 2003, this Rhode Island based company was also the first in the nation to introduce a complete line of chocolate based culinary sauces, spices and condiments. Congratuations! |
| 15th Annual Celebrate South County Day |
 The State House was a buzz with diverse tourism delights during the 15th Annual Celebrate South County Day! Members of the Legislature, general officers and Channel 10 News joined in the festivities coordinated by Karen Cooke, Marketing/Promotion Manager. Those providing the fun and food included: B&B Referrals of South Coast RI, Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, Charlie's Sugarhouse of Coventry, Cracker Barrel in Coventry, Kinney Bungalow and Smith's Castle of the South County Culture Coalition, Del's Lemonade of South County, Friends of Kingston Station, General Nathanael Greene Homestead, Hampton Inn Coventry, Kenyon Corn Meal Company, Kidz 'n the Kitchen of Westerly, Langworthy Farm & Winery in Westerly, North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, Quonset Air Museum, Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Westerly/Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, Wickford Gourmet, Yawgoo Bakes, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Block Island Ferry/Interstate Navigation, Block Island Tourism Council, Rhode Island Tourism, Rhode Island Rural Conservation & Development, Providence/Warwick CVB, Warwick Department of Tourism, Culture & Development. Scallop shell chocolates, donated by the Chocolate Delicacy of East Greenwich, provided the perfect invitation. Truly, a sweet celebration! |
| 22nd Annual Tourism Unity Awards |
 Preservation" was the theme of the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Tourism Unity Luncheon Awards held at the Providence Convention Center May 22. The town of West Greenwich was nominated by South County Tourism Council. Accepting the award on behalf of the town (pictured left to right) Senator/Town Manager Kevin Breene, Governor Donald L. Carcieri presenting, Thaylen Waltonen, President, West Greenwich Town Council and presenting on behalf of SCTC President, Myrna George. "Residents who call South County home know well that our souls are tied to the soil and sea. An alliance of stewardship within state and local agencies have assisted in the authentic, charismatic, elemental approach to nature-based attractions for which we are grateful throughout South County. With an amazing 98% voter approval providing bond acquisition for 1,800 acres, the total permanent open space in West Greenwich is now 45%," said George. |
| All Aboard the Whistlestop Tour |
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 The Whistlestop Tour is an annual statewide event coordinated by Jayne Panarello of the RIEDC Tourism Division, which is designed to familiarize tourism industry personnel throughout Rhode Island with the state's hidden treasures. The Council featured South County Museum this year. Many thanks to Jim Crothers, Executive Director, for providing a warm and welcoming tour, bringing new meaning to the statement "when it rains, they really shine!" |
| Joseph D. Cuomo Tourist Information Center |
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Family members and friends gathered to posthumously honor South County Tourism Council's seven-term Chairman of the Board, Joseph D. Cuomo. His grandson led the ceremony accompanied by members of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce at the official unveiling of the "Joseph D. Cuomo Tourist Information Center". During the dedication of the Charlestown Chamber offices, Executive Director, Paula Andersen, spoke of Joe's unwavering commitment whether leading or following, noting his dedication in working together to get things done. SCTC's Myrna George noted that, "Joe Cuomo paved the way for many as a leading light in the field of tourism and friendship. Years of steadfast service to the South County Tourism Council and her tourism partners throughout Rhode Island have set new standards of determination, patience, and friendship." |
| 6th Annual Sounty County Photo Contest |
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Camera! Ready! Aim! Shoot!...Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly and West Greenwich! Deadline is August 8th. For entry form and contest rules, click here. | |
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Did You Know?
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Tourism is a $5 billion industry in Rhode Island. The state hosts 16 million out-of-state visitors each year.
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32% of tourism revenues are from overnight leisure visitors.
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83% of tourism spending is by visitors with annual household incomes of $70,000+.
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90% of tourism industry businesses are small businesses. |
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