Convention and Visitors Bureau Lauds Event for its Economic Impact to Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – Richard Fries, founder of the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival, accepted an Ambassador Award from the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau for the ongoing contribution of the Festival to the economic and sporting culture of Rhode Island.
During the March 19 ceremony, Fries and the other attendees were praised for the stimulus their events provide to the local economy.
In her speech to the recipients, PWCVB CEO Martha Sheridan said “These events have a vital and direct impact on our state’s economy. Meeting and convention delegates, and sporting event attendees, pump revenue into local restaurants, retailers, transportation companies, and other locally-owned businesses year-round, not just in the tourist-friendly warm weather months.”
Now in it’s fifth year, the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival has grown from a regional gem to its current role as a world class cyclo-cross destination and cornerstone of the Holy Week of Cyclo-cross. While racing remains the focal point of the weekend, the Festival celebrates the bicycle for the contributions it makes to urban livability, health, the environment and the economy. And as the event grows, so too the support of the City of Providence.
“Although we have global aspirations for our event at Roger Williams Park, we commit a lot of resources to our local foundations. We work with Johnson and Wales University, Brown University, Recycle a Bike, the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition and especially the schools of Providence and Rhode Island. These local connections have proven every bit as valuable as our national and international partners,” noted Fries.
“The Bureau has proven to be an amazing partner for the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Whenever we need anything in the area – from lodging to dining to vendors to City Hall – they have been there.”
Economic impact studies indicate the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival generates close to $1 million in revenue. Organizers expect the event to fill more than 500 hotel rooms in October.
