Louise Bishop, President & CEO of the South County Tourism Council was our guest speaker at our regular meeting on Monday, August 17th. The mission of the Council is to plan, promote and market tourism beyond our eleven town region. The South County Tourism Council is a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to promoting the towns of Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, and Westerly as a leisure travel destination. The SCTC’s promotional efforts include publication of Float, a digital vacation guide; a year-long advertising campaign directed at the leisure tourism market; targeted sales efforts; public relations strategy; participation in numerous trade shows; and a comprehensive website.
Louise spoke about a few off the current attractions that are drawing people from all over the country, but especially from up and down the East Coast of the United States and in recent years, from the Pittsburgh, PA area. For example, the Thomas Dambo Troll Trail has garnered wide spread attention for its unique presentation of two very large wood creations. Erik Rock and Greta Grant have been the talk of Ninigret Park in Charlestown for the last three years. The next major project that they are in the midst of bringing to Ninigret is the "Wild Race Against Time" exhibit. In November 2026 we will welcome this monumental public art exhibition by world-renowned artists Gillie and Marc. Featuring large-scale bronze sculptures of endangered animals, the installation invites visitors to experience wildlife up close while raising awareness for global conservation efforts.
Louise noted that the Council is funded through the taxes that the Hotel Association pays the state each year. It is currently about 13% of which 5% comes back to the region. They use their funds to promote the region through advertising and promotional opportunities. The Council also provides grants for non-profits that will enhance tourism in the area.
