Photo By Michael Christofaro
Providence - Mayor Angel Taveras has announced that the capital city was heralded by BBC Travel in its May 2013 listing of Top 21 under-the-radar destinations. Providence is the only city in the United States to earn that distinction, in this year's survey, and only one of three in the Western Hemisphere. Sequoia and King's Canyon National Park, California, and Yukon, Canada were also named to the "Top 21" list.
Likening Rhode Island to "more like an English county in its expanse," reporter Rory Goulding, Lonely Planet Traveller, says its its "Ivy League member Brown University and the prestigius Rhode Island School of Design give a strong student influence, dignified campus buildings and impressive RISD Museum of Art." He also notes Providence has the only downtown area in the U.S. listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, heralding the city's "distinctive archtecture…(and) more colourful districts (of) Federal Hill…and Fox Point."
"What a remarkable achievement for Providence to be recognized by the world famous travel magazine, BBC Travel, as one of the Top 21 under-the-radar destinations," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "The exposure this honor provides our great city to global audiences can mean more visitors, tourism, conferences and conventions, economic expansion and yes, even, more jobs."
"And the fact that Providence is only one of three locations in the Western Hemisphere to make this distinguished list tells you how very competitive it is. We are honored by our selection and pleased to share it with audiences here and everywhere," he said
Goulding, in his description of Providence, also urged readers to "Try to time your visit to one of the 10 or so weekends a year, between May and October, when 100 flaming braziers ligh up in the city's waterways during WaterFire.
The survey, which was released in May by BBC Travel included such sites as Fermanagh Lakelands, Northern Ireland; Yukon, Canada; Kiso, Japan, and Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. The full listing may be found here.