Discover Newport presented new research on the region’s visitor economy Tuesday and described a shift in its own role, from marketing the destination toward what the organization calls destination stewardship.
President and CEO Victoria Cimino laid out the figures and the strategy at Newport Vineyards during the first meeting of The Current Speaker Series, a reworked industry forum, before elected officials, business leaders and people working in tourism.
According to Discover Newport, visitors to Newport and Bristol counties generated $340 million in hotel revenue in 2025, along with $163 million in food service revenue, $52 million in retail sales and $64 million in state and local tax revenue, supporting 4,300 hospitality and tourism jobs.
“Tourism is an important economic engine for our region, supporting local jobs, small businesses, and the vitality of our communities,” Cimino said. “But our work today goes well beyond simply attracting visitors.”
The organization said its marketing targets travelers coming from 50 miles or more, with an emphasis on overnight stays and on midweek and shoulder-season travel — an approach it describes as growing tourism’s economic benefit without adding to demand in the busiest months.
“Our goal is not to increase visitor volume during peak months,” Cimino said. “It is to use tourism strategically to create jobs, support local businesses, generate economic activity, and invest back into the communities that make this destination so special. At the same time, we have to listen to residents and be willing to evolve how we manage and promote the destination.”
Discover Newport also presented resident sentiment research covering perceptions of tourism’s effect on the economy, employment, quality of life, the environment and development, which the organization said is shaping its approach.
Initiatives Cimino outlined include creating a chief community engagement officer position, holding quarterly community town halls, developing a resident benefit program, a “Leave No Trace” effort, hospitality industry clean-up days and expanded support for public transportation.
The organization also has a sponsorship program supporting events, beautification, public art and wayfinding, weighted toward programs that encourage overnight visits outside the summer. Recipients so far are the Newport Historical Society, the Broadway Street Fair and the Pokanoket Trail.
Discover Newport markets Newport and Bristol counties, covering Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren.
