The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) presented Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport, as the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 2024 ANCHORS Awards, held at Bally’s Lincoln recently.
“This accolade recognizes Smith’s leadership and commitment to promoting Aquidneck Island nationally and internationally,” RIHA says in a press release. “The Chairman’s Award celebrates individuals who embody overall excellence, leadership, and a commitment to fostering growth in Rhode Island’s hospitality and tourism sectors”.
A 40-year hospitality industry veteran, Smith has served as president and chief executive officer at Discover Newport since 2005. Prior to that, he was the organization’s vice president of marketing from 1990 through his promotion in 2005. Smith is responsible for overseeing the $5.6 million community marketing program for Newport and the eight surrounding towns in Rhode Island.
Discover Newport President and CEO Evan Smith plans to retire in 2025
Prior to joining Discover Newport, Smith spent more a decade working in the lodging industry in marketing and sales roles in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
At Discover Newport, Smith’s vision and determination was instrumental in the development of a comprehensive regional tourism master plan, charting the course for Newport’s promotional efforts for over three decades. A strong collaborator, he has effectively worked with many organizations including RIHA, the state tourism office at CommerceRI, and the regional tourism councils to execute a strategic plan to promote Rhode Island in business and leisure travel.
Under his leadership, the City of Newport was able to form the first Tourism Improvement District (TID) in New England, which added significant supplemental revenue to help fund and expand the organization’s promotional investments.
Beyond his many significant awards, accolades and accomplishments, Smith was also a RI Hospitality Association Stars of the Industry award winner in 1995, 2015 and an ANCHORS award winner this year.
Said David Smiley, immediate past chairman of RIHA, “Evan’s incredible leadership for over four decades has helped to make Newport and Aquidneck Island world-class tourism destinations. His expertise, dedication and collaboration truly make him a legend in Rhode Island’s hospitality community. I’m so proud to honor his significant contributions with the Chairman’s Award.”
Set to retire from Discover Newport later this year, Evan and his wife Amy, residents of Jamestown, RI, plan on traveling and enjoying international destinations.
