Newport Wants More Tourism from Across The Pond

Newport and Rhode Island residents and officials met Thursday afternoon at Lila Delman Real Estate to discuss how to attract long-term tourists who would be more likely to invest in real estate in the area.

Nick Churton and Annette Reeve of Mayfair International Realty, London, Rhode Island Economic Development Council Director Keith Stokes, Katharine Flynn, Director of Business Development for RIEDC, Newport City Councilor and Lila Delman agent Kathryn Leonard, and other Lila Delman principals discussed how to foster concurrent real estate tourism and economic development in Newport.

Stokes pointed out the similarities between England and New England, especially Newport, and that the city should make tourists from overseas aware of everything Newport has to offer, including its historical appeal and its sailing opportunities. He also suggested designing tours of Trinity Church and Touro Synagogue as well as the Newport mansion gardens, local vineyards and sailing facilities.

“People will travel around the world to do certain kinds of tours, such as flower shows and gardens," Churton said.

Mayfair representatives said that since those who work on Boston's tourism are initiating an aggressive marketing campaign targeting England, Newport should take advantage of its close proximity to that city.

During the roundtable discussion, the group also discussed creating a social media app for Rhode Island tourism, which could be marketed through tourism offices as well as the real estate agency's London office, since social networking would be a cornerstone of the marketing strategy. Fostering international communications and relationships are key, Katharine Flynn said.

Melanie Delman noted that she's honored Lila Delman Realty was part of the discussion.

We're "looking forward to working with the RIEDC to help promote Rhode Island to our international audience,” she said.