With Perfect Weather, Labor Day Weekend Going Out with a Bang

FInal numbers have yet to be tallied, but Rhode Island is wrapping up what could be one of the busiest and most profitable summers in recent memory.

And padding the numbers will be the spectacular weather over Labor Day weekend, which brought nonstop sun and ideal conditions for frolicking along the shore. It’s the first time in more than four years that Labor Day weekend wasn’t either a washout or plagued with rain and chilly temperatures.

Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, said Thursday that so far, occupancy rates have been at or near capacity though the summer. In Newport, the lodging tax was up 36.5 percent in July over the same period last year. Food and beverage tax proceeds are up a healthy 14 percent.

“These are very assuring figures,” Smith said.

Adding fuel to the tourism fire is the steady decline in gas prices after Memorial Day weekend. People are hitting the road in record numbers and since Newport and Rhode Island is in reasonable driving distance to 10 percent of the U.S. population, Smith said.

AAA Northeast predicted 35.5 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more this Labor Day weekend. Eighty-six percent will do so by car.

“We’re equally optimistic about the early fall travel outlook,” added Smith. “Autumn traditionally welcomes a significant amount of visitors including an increase in international travelers as well as thousands of motor coaches and cruise ship passengers. It is also the time of year we see a surge in meetings and conventions; a critical component of tourism business. We look forward to welcoming all of these visitors to our destination during what we believe is one of the most spectacular times of the year.”