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Arts, Education, Hospitality and Tourism
Rhode Island's hospitality industry thrives on a perfect blend of natural gifts and cultural treasures. Our 400 miles of coastline showcase four distinct seasons, while our internationally acclaimed food scene draws gourmands from around the globe. This compact state—just 37 miles wide and 48 miles long—packs an outsized punch in tourism, welcoming over 28.4 million visitors annually.
From Newport's gilded mansions to Providence's dynamic restaurants, the Ocean State offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Our strategic location and business-friendly policies have created an ideal climate for hospitality entrepreneurs, combining historic charm with modern innovation. Boutique hotels and award-winning venues dot the landscape, while centuries of history mingle with contemporary art and warm New England hospitality.
- Tourism is supported by hotel tax which allows us to focus our marketing efforts on and support the rich arts and culture Rhode Island offers.
- Commerce provides grants to many arts locations to support new programming and events to further drive visitation year round with a focus on the off season.
- Our recently completed Tourism Development Plan studied and focused on a strategy to further build and support this sector in the coming years, benefitting all members of the tourism and hospitality industries.
Rhode Island is a destination that transforms first-time visitors into lifelong admirers of America's smallest state. Because we’re all that
5 Top Facts
Rhode Island has nearly 400 miles of coastline and 100 public and private beaches that offer countless opportunities for fun in, on and around the water.
59% of the Ocean State is lush, forested land. A nature-lover’s paradise that sees more than 400 species of birds migrate to or through the state during the year
Newport is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” and is also home to the last remaining intact wooden city in North America.
Home to the world’s largest culinary school, Johnson & Wales University, and abundant fresh, local seafood, Rhode Island has a foodie scene that ranges from sophisticated 5-star cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs to gloriously retro diners and gourmet food trucks.
Rhode Island has many firsts: as the birthplace of religious freedom, we are home to the First Baptist Church in America and Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America. Slater Mill is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Rhode Islanders struck an early blow in the war for independence with the Burning of the Gaspee and played host to the wealthiest of America’s Gilded Age with the world-famous Newport Mansions.
Media Highlights
Rhode Island Tourism Industry
Visitor spending in 2023 totaled $5.6 billion, 4.6% higher than in 2022. Stronger demand was reflected by a 2.2% increase in total Rhode Island visitor volume to 28.4 million in 2023. Including all traveler-related expenditures, the Rhode Island traveler economy registered $8.3 billion in 2023. Each household in Rhode Island would need to be taxed an additional $2,160 to replace the visitor-generated taxes received by Rhode Island state and local governments in 2023.
Explore Rhode Island’s incredible tourism opportunities at VisitRhodeIsland.com
