As Coronavirus continues to devastate the nation, few industries have been quite as negatively impacted as tourism. Unfortunately in this instance, since tourism is one of Rhode Island’s top revenue generators, the damage has be colossal.
This latest edition of “The Rhode To Recovery: RI Food and Drink” focusses on the Rhode Island tourism industry. Moderator David Dadekian has assembled a panel of folks from the sector’s front lines.
Relating their experiences and discussing the needs, issues and hopes for their industry are Kristen Adamo, President & CEO, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kathryn Farrington, Vice President of Marketing, Discover Newport, and Jonathan Feiler, Group Wine Director, Ocean House / OHM Collection.
The three relate the extremely innovative workarounds, such as Newport’s picnics on the grounds of the Breakers, that they implemented as they moved through summer and a mild-weathered fall. However, with restaurants, and all the difficulties currently within that sector, being particularly central to the state’s tourism draw, the battle will be an uphill one throughout the winter especially.
Adamo is optimistic about Providence’s long range (beyond winter) prospects and planning, but acknowledges winter will be “triage,” especially for the hard hit Providence downcity neighborhood which is a particularly challenging focus area for them. Her agency is also concentrating attention on finding innovative ways to keep the capital city’s marquee attractions (think Waterfire, Roger Williams Park Zoo, restaurants) healthy and central in people’s minds until they can resume their regular activity.
The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink can be seen on YurView.com, YurView YouTube and on Cox channel 4 in Rhode Island Wednesdays 9pm and Saturdays 2pm.
