While many Rhode Islanders flock to area beaches in the summer, a new advertising campaign featuring Providence community leaders aims to get people off the sand and into the city for summer fun.
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, the City of Providence, the Providence Tourism Council and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) have collaborated on three television commercials and a radio spot touting the city's charms.
"We wanted Rhode Islanders to recognize what the national media and visitors from around the world have long known - that Providence has become a year-round travel destination," said Mayor Taveras. "There are plenty of free and low-cost entertainment options for the entire family. This collaborative effort is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of those activities."
Launching an advertising campaign to promote Providence and its signature brands is among Mayor Taveras' economic development goals and was included in the Mayor's economic development action plan, "Putting Providence Back to Work," which was released in March, 2013.
Produced in-house at the PWCVB, the television commercials will air from July 22 through Sept. 8 on the local network affiliates, as well as on cable channels. A spot touting the city's vibrant downtown features Frank LaTorre, director of public space at the Downtown Improvement District; Lisa Newman Paratore, owner of Homestyle boutique; and Len Cabral, founder of the Roots Café. Another focuses on family fun and includes Renee Gamba, director of the Museum of Natural History; the puppets of Big Nazo; and Megan Fischer, director of communications at the Providence Children's Museum. The final spot, still in production, will cover the city's renowned culinary scene and will include Matt Gennuso, executive chef/owner of Chez Pascal and Hewtin's Mobile Dogs; Lois Ellis, co-owner of Scialo Brothers Bakery; and Omar Curi, owner of Los Andes. Mayor Taveras is also featured in each of the spots.
"So much of the work that we do at the PWCVB drives people from out of state to the area," said Martha Sheridan, PWCVB president and CEO. "It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Mayor Taveras and his administration to implement a marketing campaign that reminds locals that Providence is a great place to live, work and visit."
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is an accredited, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create vibrant growth for the local hospitality economy by promoting, developing, and expanding a united visitor industry. For more information, contact 401-456-0200 or visit www.pwcvb.com.