Discover Newport
Discover Newport. Image Credit: Discover Newport

These are exciting times for Rhode Island’s tourism industry. Eight hotel projects are underway – three in Newport and five in Providence. Longer runways at T.F. Green airport will lead to expanded international flights. Newport’s Opera House and Westerly’s United Theater are two major theater projects that will preserve their history and expand those communities entertainment opportunities.

Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, joined me on The Open Forum on AM 1540 WADK Newport to talk about the disappointing state initiative and exciting developments in Newport.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...