Photo: Juliancolton / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Each summer, South County’s population swells with day-trippers, renters, second-home owners and campers. Beaches from Misquamicut to Scarborough, the Block Island ferries and the restaurants and shops of Westerly, Narragansett and Wakefield all depend on the season, and so do thousands of jobs.
How tourism is measured
Rhode Island Commerce and the state’s regional tourism councils track the industry through visitor spending studies, hotel occupancy and the state hotel tax, which is collected on hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Economic studies commissioned by the state estimate visitor spending, the jobs it supports and the state and local taxes it generates. Tourism consistently ranks among Rhode Island’s largest industries by employment.
Where the money goes
- Lodging: hotels, inns, campgrounds and a large short-term rental market, from beach cottages to Block Island homes.
- Food and drink: restaurants, clam shacks, breweries and seafood markets.
- Recreation: beaches, charter fishing, boat rentals, golf and attractions.
- Retail and services: shops, gas stations, groceries and the trades that maintain seasonal properties.
Part of the state hotel tax is distributed to regional tourism councils and to the cities and towns where it is collected, so busy seasons also support local budgets.
The trade-offs
The summer economy brings challenges too. Seasonal jobs are often lower paid and end in the fall. Short-term rentals can reduce the supply of year-round housing, a concern raised in several South County towns. Traffic, parking and wear on beaches and roads add costs for towns. Many businesses have worked to extend the season with fall festivals, off-season events and promotion of shoulder-season travel.
Who promotes the region
The South County Tourism Council promotes Washington County’s towns, and Block Island has its own tourism council. Visit Rhode Island, the state’s tourism brand, markets the state nationally. Their websites list events and seasonal information for visitors.
