Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
By: Patti McAlpine, Marketing Associate and Dr. Robert Billington, President
From Fall 2020
| The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s mission is to inspire and increase Sustainable Tourism in the Blackstone Valley. We practice that mission by transforming Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley into an internationally-recognized visitor destination — a strong, vibrant region for visitors and residents alike. Working in conjunction with local communities, state and federal governments, and like-minded nonprofits 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. The most interesting and valued resource at our organization is the Explorer Riverboat. For the past 27 years the Explorer, through its environmental education and public programs, has helped to inspire, educate and bring awareness to over 10,000 school children, tourists and residents. We have partnered with the National Park Service, Slater Mill, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Historical Society’s Museum of Work and Culture on joint programs throughout these many years to expand knowledge of Blackstone Valley’s historic and natural resources. We share the stories of our partners and highlight the importance they bring to the Blackstone Valley. Today, thanks to 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. Home to some of Rhode Island’s most visited attractions and only historical national park, the Blackstone Valley, through its many historic sites and museums, is THE place to relive our great industrial heritage. It is a major arts destination and the location of some of our state’s finest, most unique, dining establishments. Our headquarters is located in the heart of downtown Pawtucket across from Slater Mill but our visitor center is currently not open. Normally, we are open 7 days a week at our Visitor Center in Pawtucket to give out information for visitors to the Blackstone Region and to offer assistance in booking tours, assistance with lodging and finding other resources. However, we are offering a Halloween event aboard the Explorer through the month of October to get people outside. We publish a newsletter to promote events and other good news stories in the Blackstone Valley and have worked with our local restaurants on a virtual Culinaria Live Program. Our public contact information is Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, info@tourblackstone.com and our website http://www.tourblackstone.com for visitors and our organizational website http://blackstonevalleytourismcouncil.org. Our phone number is 401-724-2200. |
