Tourism

AAA Southern New England projects a 1.2 percent increase in Memorial Day travel, but says Americans will stay closer to home to save money. May 17

In the competitive world of state tourism marketing, Rhode Island is struggling more than ever to keep up with its neighbors. May 12

Is there anyone who doesn’t like bunnies? May 12

The Hotel Viking used to fill its many summer job openings with foreign workers temporarily performing labor through the federal government’s H-2B work-visa program. Now the hotel is using foreign students under a different program, called J-1, and General Manager Mark P. Gervais couldn’t be happier. May 12

Local chefs escaping to the mountains, cheese makers and winemakers gathering offshore and the sound and taste of salsa in Newport are all on the calendar for the upcoming summer. The season is heating up with food and wine events all over the state and elsewhere in New England. In chronological order, here is a taste of some food and wine festivals and events planned for the region between now and August. May 12

When the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, a college-founded service organization, recently held an annual meeting in Providence, locals had only to venture downtown to know its impact. May 12

Laurie Z. Stroll was recently appointed chairwoman of the DMC Network LLC, a consortium of 26 destination-management companies in North America. Stroll is the president and owner of Newport Hospitality Inc. She has been with Newport Hospitality for 20 years. Stroll also served as a board member for the Rhode Island Hospitality Association for nine years. She holds a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Apr 28

Even in the most difficult economic times there are businesses that thrive. What’s their secret? Loyal customers, dedicated staff and quality products and services are typical common denominators. Apr 28

(Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series of stories that will feature the companies and industries creating jobs in the region.) Apr 28

The Sportsman’s Inn, a long-standing adult entertainment venue and hotel on Fountain Street, was sold Friday to a group of investors who intend to convert the four-story brick building into a boutique hotel, real estate broker Peter M. Scotti said. Apr 20