Travel Trade

FOR TRAVEL TRADE ONLY - Consumer requests for information click here.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of New England is Rhode Island, smallest of the fifty states. "From skyline to coastline," Rhode Island offers a diversity of options that are sure to please any group- from Gilded Age mansions to Colonial architecture, world-class theater to quaint seaside villages, you'll find no other state measures up. Our compact size means all can be included in an exciting and memorable Rhode Island/New England itinerary. Our distinctive vacation regions of historic Blackstone River Valley, unspoiled Block Island, captivating cultural Providence, picturesque East Bay, legendary Newport, soothing South County and Warwick, the retail "Mecca" of Rhode Island are within 45 minutes of each other, enabling groups to experience all of our diverse cultural and recreational offerings- without extensive travel time.

SERVICES & RESOURCES

The Rhode Island Tourism Division can assist tour operators, travel agents and other members of the Travel Trade in planning an itinerary and providing color transparencies (slides) and black and white photographs for your use. Brochures for all sections of the state are available through our office, including the Visitor's Guide, Visitor's Map, and seasonal event brochures.

We also provide shell brochures that you can customize for your tours. Our video is also available for motorcoach tour operators. For additional Travel Trade information, contact:

Katrina White, Travel Trade Manager
Rhode Island Tourism Division
315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 278-9150
Fax: (401) 273-8270
800 556-2484
Email: kwhite@riedc.com

RI Welcome Center/Visitor Information/Reststop Facility
The Rhode Island Tourism Division operates a fully staffed, year-round Visitor Information Center and rest area on I-95 North, immediately following Exit 2 in Richmond. The Center is open seven days a week, year-round.

A Visitor Information Center is also open year-round at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick.

REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS

Additional information can be obtained from our individual tourism organizations and their group tour representatives listed bellow:

Blackstone River Valley Tourism Council
Robert Billington, President
171 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 724-2200
800 454-2882
fax: (401) 724-1342

Block Island Tourism Council
Jessica Willi, Director
PO Box 356
Block Island, RI 02807
(401) 466-5200
800 383-BIRI
fax: (401) 466-5286
Email: bitourism@yahoo.com

East Bay Tourism Council
Betty Pleacher, President
16 Cutler St.
Suite 102
Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-0750
888 278-9948
fax: (401) 245-0110
email: info@eastbayritourism.com

Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Damon Gordon, Tourism Sales Manager
Newport Gateway Center
23 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-8048 ext. 119
800 326-6030
fax: (401) 849-0291
email: damong@gonewport.com

Providence/Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Neil Schreiver, Tourism Sales Manager
144 Westminster St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-1636
800 233-1636
fax: (401) 351-2090
email: nschreiver@providencecvb.com

South County Tourism Council
Myrna George, President
Oliver Stedman Government Center
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 789-4422
800 548-4662
fax: (401) 789-4437
email: mgeorge@southcountyri.com

Warwick Department of Economic Development
Karen Jedson, Tourism Specialist
Warwick City Hall
3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 738-2000 ext. 6402
800 4 WARWIC
fax: (401) 738-6639
email: kjedson@warwickri.com

MOTORCOACH REQUIREMENTS

If you currently plan tours to Rhode Island, you are familiar with the requirements for bringing motorcoaches into our state. If not, you need to contact the following organizations for assistance:

Public Utilities Commission Motor Carrier Section
Rick Jendzejec
100 Orange Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3500 ext. 149

Department of Administration Division of Taxation Excise Tax
Section (Motor Fuels)
289 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2950

The Public Utilities Commission will provide an application and explanation of the requirements for bringing a motorcoach to Rhode Island. There is no longer an initial filing fee and each additional decal is $8.

To fulfill PUC's requirements, for example, a motorcoach company needs to register with the PUC prior to entering the state. The company should provide copies of its Interstate Commerce Commission Certificate, agents of process, and insurance certificate.

It is important that you check with the Division of Taxation regarding reciprocity arrangements for fuel tax. Additionally, Rhode Island participates in the Federal Inspection Program.