Mission
To inspire and increase sustainable tourism in the Blackstone River ValleyVision
“To create positive change with regard to community values by developing and promoting coordinated, responsible and sustainable tourism in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley communities. To plan and collaborate with intrastate, state, regional, national and international organizations to sustain and enhance the character of our destination, and to develop the public and private natural, historic, cultural, ethnic, industrial, recreational, educational, artistic and commercial resources”Through quality planning and collaboration, the Council enhances the environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and well being without compromising the Blackstone Valley for future generations.
Awards & Recognitions
Our Work
The Council’s work involves creating positive change with regard to community values by developing and promoting coordinated, responsible and sustainable tourism in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley communities. It is unique among Rhode Island’s regional tourism councils in its use of sustainable tourism principles to1) improve quality of life,
2) preserve the region’s history,
3) build a stronger, cleaner environment, and
4) celebrate our cultural heritage – all of which contribute to making the region a stronger destination for visitors and home for residents.
These overarching missions are met through direct approaches including:
The following focus areas guide all of the Council’s programs:
Focus Area #1: Improving 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 Area #2: 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.
Focus Area #3: 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. Focus Area #4: 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.