Health & Fitness
Cicilline Tours Newport Tourism Industry
U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline visited tourist sites in Newport this morning and later hosted a roundtable discussion this afternoon at the Nelson W. Aldrich House in Providence.
Joined by representatives from the U.S. Travel Association, as well as Rhode Island tourism advocates, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) visited tourist sites in Newport Monday morning and later hosted a roundtable discussion this afternoon at the Nelson W. Aldrich House in Providence.
“Supporting a strong travel and tourism industry is one of the most effective ways we can put Rhode Islanders back to work and support long-term economic growth, especially in Newport and on Aquidneck Island,” said Cicilline. “I look forward to continuing to work with small business owners, tourism stakeholders and local elected officials to ensure that the federal government supports this critical sector of Rhode Island’s economy.”
This morning, Cicilline, State Representative Marvin Abney and Newport Mayor Harry Winthrop joined representatives from the U.S. Travel Association to visit for a tour that began at Fort Adams State Park and continued through the Newport Gateway Visitors Center, the Brick Market Museum, and Attwater Inn.
Cicilline is a co-sponsor of the JOLT Act, a bipartisan proposal that would maintain existing national security protocols while updating visa laws to support the American travel and tourism economy. During the 112th Congress, Cicilline also supported H.R. 3484, a bill that would direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program to promote domestic tourism.
According to an IHS Global Insight survey conducted in 2010, Rhode Island’s travel and tourism sector supports more than 40,000 jobs and provides $3.5 billion in spending. This afternoon’s discussion focused on the challenges presently facing Rhode Island’s travel and tourism industry and the steps that need to be taken at the federal level to promote tourism and bolster Rhode Island’s small business community that relies on the success of a thriving travel and tourism economy.
“Congressman Cicilline understands the importance of strengthening Rhode Island’s travel and tourism industry as a method to generate long-term economic growth and create jobs for middle class families,” said Candice Knezevic of U.S. Travel Association. “We were delighted to take part in today’s discussion and will continue working with him to find new opportunities to support this critical sector of the Ocean State’s economy.”
Nationally, travel is also one of America’s largest industries and service exports, fueling one in every eight jobs. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel and tourism generated $2.0 trillion in economic output for the U.S. economy in 2012. The industry also represents one of America’s largest employers, supporting 14.6 million jobs (including 7.7 million directly in the travel industry and 6.9 million in other industries). Direct spending by domestic and international travelers averaged $2.3 billion a day, $97.7 million an hour, $1.6 million a minute and $25,125 a second.
Monday’s discussion took place at the Aldrich House in Providence, a 19th century home in Providence’s College Hill neighborhood that belonged to U.S. Senator Nelson W. Aldrich from 1878 until his death in 1915. Today, the Aldrich House is the site of the Rhode Island Museum, as well as the headquarters for the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Along with other stakeholders and Rhode Island tourism advocates, attendees at today’s roundtable included:
• Martha Sheridan, Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Evan Smith, Discover Newport
• Dale Venturini, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
• Candice Knezevic, U.S. Travel Association
As a national, non-profit organization, the U.S. Travel Association works to promote travel to and within the United States. With more than 1,300 member organizations, it represents an industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. During the 30th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs from May 4th – May 12th, the U.S. Travel Association and other advocates are working to raise awareness around the importance of supporting the American travel and tourism industry. Approximately 100 cities nationwide are expected to hold rallies to champion travel as a jobs creator and economic driver.
