RI sees boost in tourism

New data shows a boost in tourism activity for the Ocean State.

"I’m thrilled,” said Chief Marketing Officer for the Commerce Corporation, Lara Salamano.

The news comes after a a rocky year in terms of the state’s tourism boosting efforts. Of course, the Cooler and Warmer flop drawing national headlines. But, Salamano says that negative attention really turned into a positive drawing more attention to Rhode Island.

"Outside of the state all of the awareness that it created with tourists I think we’re seeing a big plus from that,” said Salamano.

The data from STR, a global travel industry monitoring service, shows 2016 Rhode Island hotel room revenue up 6.9 percent from last year. Occupancy is up .2 percent, much better than the rest of New England which averaged a 1.1 percent dip.

"I think it’s a collaboration of everything. Most recently we’ve had an amazing marketing campaign we’ve just put out,” said Salamano.

That new digital campaign features pictures taken by Rhode Islanders. Last month the state website saw a 35 percent increase in activity over the previous month. Salamano says the state has also seen an increase in social media engagement.

The Governor releasing the following statement to ABC 6 News regarding the tourism boost; "My family and I love to explore Rhode Island’s beautiful beaches, parks, and bike paths together – not to mention, our world-class restaurants. It is great to see the tourism campaign bringing more people to visit our state and experience all we have to offer."

(C) WLNE 2016