Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

Working To Elevate Blackstone Valley’s Communities

BVTC40 logo in blue and orange colors

Be Part of our 40th Anniversary Celebration!

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Be Part of our 40th Anniversary Celebration! •

Join us in celebrating our 40-year history and our founder, Bob Billington, as he steps away from his role as President. What better place to celebrate than at a dockside party along the Blackstone River with free boat tours, local food favorites, a short speaking program and more!

Tuesday, June 17th, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Central Falls Landing

Celebrating 4 Decades of Turning Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley into an Internationally-Recognized Visitor Destination

Since 1985, our non-profit, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, has been a leader in transforming Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley into an internationally-recognized visitor destination – a strong, vibrant region for residents, businesses and visitors. Working with local communities, state and federal governments, and like-minded nonprofit organizations and businesses, we have not only increased the number of visitors and enhanced their experiences over the years, but our work strengthened the region’s economy, created a stronger, cleaner environment, and improved the quality of life for Blackstone Valley residents.

Two trophies on a wooden railing by a canal with a red boat and stone bridge in the background.

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Receives Prestigious Awards

Robert Billington and the Tourism Council has received several of the most prestigious awards in the tourism industry:

  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization “Ulysses Prize” for excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. This award highlights our contributions to advancing knowledge and understanding within the tourism sector.

  • Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award from World Travel and Tourism Council. This award recognizes best practices in sustainable tourism, focusing on environmentally friendly operations, protection of cultural and natural heritage, and benefits to local communities. 

The non-profit Council has also received numerous international, national, state and local awards and recognition for their efforts to build up the region and promote sustainable tourism.

Aerial view of Central Falls Landing with the Blackstone river, bridge, parking lot, and buildings. Visible are parked cars and a river with a waterfall section. Trees and greenery surround the river area, and several structures are near the bridge.

We are an award-winning consulting and educational organization that assists communities, government agencies, and private sector companies in shaping tourism development programs with internationally-practiced tourism planning strategies.

Find out more about our work and the results of our decades of advocacy.

Our Organization

Logo with "BVTC40" text on a blue and orange abstract background.
Aerial view of a serene river landscape with lush green forests and a small community of houses at sunset.

Our Mission

To increase and inspire sustainable tourism in the Blackstone River Valley.

At Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, we continually work to improve how we develop tourism, protect the environment, increase community pride and improve the economy.

Students in a forest installing a device on a tree

Our Vision

The Tourism Council will continue building a stronger Blackstone Valley through operating and enhancing our attractions and annual events, community and economic development efforts, environmental cleanup and beautification initiatives, and promotional efforts. Through quality planning and collaboration, the Council will continue enhancing the environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and well-being without compromising the Blackstone Valley for future generations.

The Council's Work

some of the top accomplishments that had the biggest impact

  • Working with partners so that Blackstone River Valley is now recognized as a National Historical Park

  • Creating a Twinning relationship with Samuel Slater's hometown in Belper, England and Pawtucket, Rhode Island

  • Constructing the Educational Vessel Blackstone Valley Explorer and creating our RiverClassroom program

  • Connecting with author Chris Van Allsburg to develop Blackstone Valley Polar Express

  • Producing the annual Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival

  • Establishing a relationship with the Japanese Government to construct the first monument to Hachiko outside of Tokyo, and creating the Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess program

  • Importing the English-built Samuel Slater Canal Boat

Map of Rhode Island highlighting the Blackstone Valley area with its towns: Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Smithfield, Burrillville, and Glocester. East Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls are also marked.

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Encompasses 10 Cities and Towns

Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Smithfield, and Woonsocket.

The Valley is located in the northern part of the state, borders the capital city of Providence, is minutes away from the MBTA’s Worcester and Providence commuter rail lines, fifteen minutes from PVD (TF Green) airport and twenty minutes from Gillette Stadium.