Tourism Summit

On Friday, November 7, a bi-State all day meeting was  held in Rhode Island at Twelve Acres in North Smithfield. Well-loved Bob Billington, a longtime advocate of tourism in the Valley and Northern Rhode Island Tourism Director co-hosted the event which was funded supported by both State's Tourism Council's as well as the Heritage Corridor. Martha Wetzel, Ma Blackstone Valley's Tourism Director, whispered a few words but was quieted by a unexpected case of laryngitis. The Heritage Corridor's  Hal Welch, Barbara Dixon and Chief Interpreter for the Park Rangers, Sue Andrews, were all in attendance to support these partnering efforts. Val Stegemoen of Ma DEM and several Rhode Island officials were also on hand in the Valley's bold vision and renaissance from an old, decaying mill era to the recognition of America's significant history of industrialization and immigration. 

Two speakers were highlighted at the all-day Summit: Ed Dreistadt on "Tourism and How it Brings Your Community Together" and Speaker Joe Veneto on the "Power of Packaging". 

Dreistadt, former marketing VP for Disney, Williamsburg and other corporate accounts, shared many marketing experiences, including failures and successes with these accounts. He distinguished a personalized marketing approach from a less personal appeal and its loss of effectiveness. He spoke of 40% being price driven in decisionmaking vs. 60% looking for excellence in product, customer service. He stressed the importance of partnering and branding your region to create a collaborative effort that enhances local flavor and a broad experience.

Dramatic and creative Joe Veneto, who travels worldwide with his marketing advice, gave an overview of the vast changes that have occurred in the tourism market starting with the Cleavers back in the 1950s-60s. The former two week pursuit and information search by Mom to create travel plans is virtually impossible due to the time poverty that currently exists in today's world and dual incomes.

The ease of experience must be of paramount experience for the tourist these days. The number of options must be flexible and branding and an identity, blended with tremendous local flavor, is the core of the experience, he iterated. He gave brief exercises so that we may collectively begin a search for the branding identity that signifies our Valley's "hidden treasures". Several hours went through the steps necessary to work in partnerships to bring forth this vision and market it to day trippers, 1 night stays and beyond. 

Due to the strong appreciation by attendees of this first Summit, the Tourist Council's Bob Billington reassured everyone there would be more in the future as tourism gains a stronghold in the Valley. 

Grafton's Economic Development Committee was represented at this Summit by three members, Chair John LaPoint, Sue Robbins and Gail McGrail. They have boldly understood the need to connect to this economic force that will be a growing factor in the economic resurgence in the Valley. Several representatives from tourism businesses, bus coaches, Southwick's Zoo and other tourism related business owners were in attendance along with numerous Blackstone Valley Leadership graduates.

 Greg Maas, who has the Valley "bug" spoke about the importance of the ongoing survey analyzing trends and demographics of the Valley market. This can be used to target specific groups to increase awareness of the Valley's attractions. He stated that almost all of the "tourists" arrive in the Valley due to family and friends. The incoming guest arrives, but does not understand the significant and diverse attractions and events, according to initial research. Maas will be continuing in the analysis and data retrieval to better strengthen an informed marketing effort for singular businesses as well as collectively.  This will bring all the vested parties together to explore avenues to more fully package to facilitate the interest and accessibility of the Valley's attractions to tourists. 

What is Tourism All About in the Valley

The American Industrial Revolution began in the Blackstone Valley where its river, utilized for transportation, was a driving force behind the rapid growth of industrialization in a formerly  agrarian based economy.  The Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor was designated in 1986 by Congress to recognize the Blackstone region's significance in early American history and revitalize its resources. 

The Blackstone Valley towns are each unique, yet they share many common threads  filled with strong character and traditional New England  values of hard work, thriftiness and innovation.  The Valley ranges from Rhode Island's vibrant city of Providence at the southern end  to the rural farmlands and mill villages, mostly shaped around the traditional N.E. Congregational Church common.   Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts is at the northern point of the Blackstone River. The covered and almost forgotten canals are planned for an aesthetic re-opening along the corridor attracting many visitors after years of neglect.

 In 1999, the United States Congress named the National Heritage Corridor in honor of the late United States Senator John H. Chafee of Rhode Island, who had co-sponsored legislation creating this region in 1986.  

                 BV Tourism can be emailed at BVTourism@aol.com. They offer special opportunities aboard the  riverboat The Explorer or the 8 passenger bicycle Blackstone Valley surrey. The National Heritage Corridor is also helpful for your visit or local insight. 

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