Introduction

Since its creation in 1985, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has been a leader in transforming Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley into an internationally-recognized visitor destination – a strong, vibrant region for residents, businesses and visitors. Working with local communities, state and federal governments, and like-minded nonprofit organizations and businesses, the Council has not only increased the number of visitors and enhanced their experiences, but strengthened the region’s economy, created a stronger, cleaner environment, and improved the quality of life for Blackstone Valley residents.

Today, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and its many partners and collaborators, the Blackstone Valley is considered one of Rhode Island’s most significant visitor destinations, and a region where communities have become attractive places to live and work.

Home to some of Rhode Island’s most visited attractions and the state’s only historical National Park, the Blackstone Valley, through its many historic sites and museums, is the place to relive our great industrial heritage. In addition, our region is a major arts destination and the location of some of our state’s finest, most unique, dining establishments.

Its many parks, farms and open spaces containing miles of waterways, hiking trails, bike paths, and abundance of wildlife and fall foliage make it one of the state’s outdoor recreational hotspots. At the heart of that renaissance is the Blackstone River which is now a haven for boaters, wildlife watchers, and fishermen.

The Council has built on many of the existing assets in the region: a rich, cultural heritage and historic legacy, ethnic diversity, the Blackstone River, parks and recreational facilities, attractions such as Bally’s Twin River, Slater Mill, and a number of other historical attractions. Our success has come from the belief that healthy, vibrant and unique communities become stronger visitor destinations!

Awards & Recognition

When it comes to the Council’s success with transforming the Blackstone Valley into a visitor destination and better place to live and work… don’t take our word for it. The Tourism Council has received numerous international, national, state and local awards and recognition for their efforts to build up the region. These include:

• “Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award” from the World Travel & Tourism Council
• “North American Travel Personality of the Year” from the World Travel Awards
• The “SBEST Certification of Excellence” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization

View full list of awards received | Awards presented

Economic, Environmental and Community Development

• Led River cleanup efforts to the point that boating and fishing are allowed
• Continue to lead efforts to build a continuous bike path throughout the Blackstone Valley and Rhode Island
• Broad Street Regeneration Initiative to improve Broad Street through improving infrastructure and assisting businesses
• Led the fight to create a National Park within Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley
• Creation and maintenance of Chocolate Overlook Park
• Creation and administration of Keep America Beautiful environmental cleanup, beautification and other efforts throughout the Blackstone Valley
• River Classroom program that educates thousands of students about the Blackstone River and environment (over 25 years)
• Planting of cherry trees along Roosevelt Avenue.
• Assistance with developing Waterfront Properties at Festival Pier in Pawtucket and Central Falls Landing
• Creation of the Amber Valley & Blackstone Valley Compact, and Belper & Pawtucket Compact.

Events & Attractions

The Council has created and operated a number of tours, festivals, and other events to attract visitors and highlight the cultural heritage of the region. These include:

• Creation and operation of the Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat, the state’s only riverboat that offers public and private tours, plus educational programs for students (over 25 years)
• Creation and operation of the Polar Express Train ride that brings more than 20,000 people to Woonsocket each Christmas season (over 20 years)
• Creation and operation of the annual Rhode Island Dragon Boat and Taiwan Day Festival that brings several thousand to Festival Pier in Pawtucket each year (over 20 years)
• Assistance with creation of and provision of ongoing assistance to the Pawtucket Arts Festival and Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
• Fall Train Ride (over 30 years)
• Creation of many other festival, tours and attractions including the Polar Express Train Ride, Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival, Steamboat Muster, Samuel Slater Canal Boat, other types of boat tours, Culinaria tours, bike tours, and other train tours.

Marketing and Promotion

• Creation of several websites including Tourblackstone.com to promote Council events and attractions and events throughout the Blackstone Valley
• Creation of many brochures and other materials, including Visitor Guides and tour maps
• Management of two visitor centers
• Distribution program to distribute Council and other organization flyers throughout the state• Conducting of annual celebrations
• Development of the Sustainable Tourism Lab to promote the Council and Valley throughout the world and hold educational workshops for tourism, community, and other officials, professionals, and interested parties
• Annual golf tournament (over 15 years)
• Annual presentation of awards to recognize deserving organizations, businesses and individuals
• Marketing and promotional assistance program to tourism attractions and organizations

View master list of accomplishments throughout the years

Sustainable Tourism

According to the UNWTO, sustainable tourism can be defined as: “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”

The Valley’s turnaround can be attributed, in large part, to a reliance on sustainable tourism principles that:

Improve Quality of Life: The Council’s main goal is in improving the quality of life for its region’s residents. Healthy, vibrant, and unique communities become destinations for visitors.

Focus on Historical Preservation: The Valley has a story to tell. It is an invisible thread that connects the hundreds of historical sites to the residents and the urban fabric. Through identification, interpretation and preservation, these sites become some of the unique resources that bring value to the region. As the Council continually moves into the future, it is the Valley’s history that is the root for conscience and sustainable community development.

Advocates Environmental Justice and Conservation: It is important to remember where one comes from. The region’s people, structures and way of life thrive here because of the Blackstone River. This enormous watershed is a delicate yet resilient environment that must be conserved, honored and respected. The Council is one of the most stalwart environmental educators and patrons of the region.’

“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” – Baba Dioum, Senegalese Ecologist.

Encourages Cultural Appreciation & Interpretation: The many peoples who have called the Valley home mirror the chronicles of the rest of America. From the original Narragansett, Nipmuc and Wampanoag tribes, to the countless waves of immigrants from around the globe, all have left their indelible mark. The Council celebrates the rich past and current cultures of the Valley and spreads the message of unity, social responsibility and voice.

These overarching missions are met through direct approaches including:

• Social justice
• Economic justice
• Youth, adult & elder education
• Urban planning & design
• Community development
• Disaster resiliency
• Event & festival programming
• Support of local entrepreneurs
• The arts & creative development
• Promotional support