| Where is South County? | |
Like many of Rhode Island's quirks, the name South County is rooted in history. The original land grants from King Charles II in 1663 divided the state into North and South counties. Rhode Island's original conservation maps identified portions of what is now known as Kent and Washington County as South County.
Division Road was so named because it divided South County from the northern portion of the state.
There is an old poem that speaks to the unique quality of place that is South County by Walter Pritchard Eaton:
Some people call it myth,
Imaginary place,
Mere mind's conceit,
And, true, it is unspecified on map
Nor yet constrained by bounds, but those of us who live here
Know full well South County's charm,
And love her farms and forests,
Beaches, streams.
And well, do visitors know South County's many charms...we've been spreading the word for 26 years! |
NATJA bestows third Gold
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The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awarded Gold to the South County Tourism Council, South County Style Vacation Guide in the 2012 Annual NATJA Awards Competition in the Visitors' Guide - Marketing Budget Less than $400,000 category! This awards competition, now in its 21st year, honors the "best of the best" in travel writing, photography and promotion that cover all aspects of the travel industry worldwide. Over 400 entries were received for the 2012 competition.
"This year's entries were outstanding, both in quality of the journalism, excellence and range of coverage," said Helen Hernandez, CEO of the organization. "The creativity is reflective of the vibrancy of the travel journalists' community and destination marketing organizations. The winners transported the reader through evocative storytelling and spell-binding photography."
Myrna George, president & CEO of South County Tourism Council, recognized the 2012 NATJA award stating: "South County Tourism Council produces Style in-house thanks to the dedication of two full-time and two part-time employees, enhanced by the support of our local photographers, who together create brilliant visuals and voice capturing our 'unique sense of place!' On their behalf, I thank NATJA for this honor."
South County Tourism Council has received recognition from NATJA in 2008 and 2010 for Style. In 2011 we received the Gold award for our mobile website titled: Beautiful South County.
NATJA is the second largest travel media association in North America. Members include travel media professionals, convention and visitors bureaus, social media, hotels and attractions, and other travel marketing agencies.
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Trip Advisor investment
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The South County Tourism Council has invested in yet another platform where visitors now can plan their South County vacation. The Council has purchased a page on Trip Advisor which directly links to www.SouthCountyRI.com, our Facebook and Twitter pages, South County Style Vacation Guide, photos, videos, event listings and special promotional packages. We're investing in Trip Advisor because millions of visitors utilize it. Additionally, reviews from visitors to the South County area about our accommodations, restaurants, things to do, etc. have been codified on our new page. Check it out here.
Trip Advisor is the world's largest travel site with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors. Currently, content on www.SouthCountyRI.com is being seen more than ever - an average of 19,726 hits per day. SCTC page on Trip Advisor will point people back to our main website, increasing hits dramatically. Our website visitors could equal business for you! A listing on www.SouthCountyRI.com gives you a perfect opportunity to be seen as part of the perfect destination: South County. Are you listed with us? |
Whose got Five-Stars?
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The Ocean House! Watch Hill's iconic hotel was awarded the coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2013.
OH, a most enviable resident, is the latest addition to the travel ratings system which has been the gold standard in the industry since 1958. This year only 76 hotels, 28 restaurants and 35 spas received the Five-Star rating. These exceptional hotels are destinations unto themselves, providing virtually flawless service and the finest amenities. The staff at each of these hotels is intuitive, passionate and eager to deliver above and beyond service with the guest's comfort in mind.
The Ocean House's OH! Spa is recognized as a Forbes Five-Star Spa as well. The entire 2013 award winners will be showcased on Startle.com, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide.
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Golfing acclaim
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Golfing Magazine featured destination South County and our "Golf Coast" on the cover of the March 2013 edition.
Working closely with Golfing Magazine, the Council secured the cover, three full pages of editorial and photos, in addition to advertising in the publication. SCTC long ago recognized that we are the state's "Golf Coast," bringing attention to our 17 public golf courses, with challenging offerings for all skill levels. Our full-page advertisement highlights the area's attributes, from the beaches, historic downtowns and wildlife preserves to hiking trails and quaint bed and breakfasts.
"Hospitality is an important part of South County's personality," Golf Magazine says. "The courses offer great clubhouses with outstanding food, ranging from a quick snack to fine dining and impressive banquet facilities. That makes South County's golf and country clubs a great setting for your corporate golf outing, a family celebration or even a wedding!"
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| Martha Stewart's radar | 
The Weekapaug Inn was featured in a section called, "On Our Radar: American Treasure," in the March 2013 issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.
This treasure was described as "The 114-year-old Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island has just reopened after a five-year, $20 million restoration. Situated on a living estuary, the grounds are ideal for tapping into your inner nature lover: Go bird-watching, crabbing or clamming with its on-staff naturalist; then take a moonlit beach walk along tranquil Quonochontaug Pond."
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NTA. . . Bringing business home
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The NTA (National Tour Association) is the leading association for professionals serving travelers to, from and within North America. NTA members represent more travel product and have access to more business-to-business networking than in any other association in the industry. That includes product in every U.S. state, Canadian province and more than 40 countries.
This year's NTA was a great meeting under one roof, networking and meeting new buyers. The chance to meet our competition was a huge opportunity. Myrna George, South County Tourism Council's President and CEO, reported there were plenty of new connections made, yielding the most positive results for South County!
Kudos and congratulations to Ms. Katrina White for her recognition by NTA as Volunteer of the Year! The honor was well deserved.
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AAA Marketplace . . . more business
for South County!! | |
The Council represented South County at the 10th Annual AAA Travel Marketplace held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. Charlene Ferranti, marketing coordinator, met face to face with travelers from all over New England, travel writers and tour operators, and assured them that the beaches are opening in the spring! Copies of South County Style Vacation Guide were given, and highlights of South County's host of activities discussed.
AAA Travel Marketplace is one of the largest travel shows in New England and attracts more than 17,000 attendees.
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Black & White Masquerade Ball Partnerships
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What ship never sails alone? Partnership!!
Partnerships statewide came through during the recent clarion call to action by the South County Tourism Council to benefit Misquamicut businesses devastated by the late October 2012 storm.
This initiative was another example of collaboration by the Rhode Island Tourism Regions. More than $10,000 was raised because of the generosity of partnerships throughout Rhode Island.
The South County Tourism Council applauds the staff of the Ocean House for hosting the Black & White Ball, truly an exceptional event.
Proving yet again, that together we can prevail in any weather!
Marketing is what we do . . . during troubling times like these it is good to know WHO we are as well. Thank-you, all Rhode Island Tourism Partners.
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| New Video |
 | | South County Golf |
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21st Anniversary!
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Come Celebrate the 21st Annual South County Day on May 7, 2013 at the RI State House.
Hospitality businesses are invited to showcase their best of South County!
SCTC will supply, free of charge, a draped table and two chairs, affording you the opportunity to feature your business.
Join us as we gather to celebrate, honor and promote South County Tourism and the rest of the state! Legislators, General Officers and the Governor are invited to attend this much anticipated annual event, featuring a 'Taste of South County'.
For more information and to reserve a table, contact Charlene Ferranti, marketing coordinator, at 401-789-4422.
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Our 2013 South County Style Vacation Guide is now available. Stop by and pick up your case.
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Top Reasons visitors come to our website.
South County events
Where to stay
Where to dine
South County Style Vacation Guide
What to do - beaches, family fun, outdoor recreation, etc.
South County packages
Exit links to businesses
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Get your cameras ready to show us your
South County!
12th Annual South County Photo Contest
Deadline for photo submission is Wednesday, August 7, 2013 by 5 p.m.
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New Spring Home Page
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South County Weddings website
Contact [email protected] for information on website and mobile website
advertising opportunities. |
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