Report: Steady rebound for RI hospitality biz

WARWICK, R.I.—Rhode Island’s hospitality industry took a serious hit during the economic downturn and experts say recovery will be slow, but steady.

The forecast was released Wednesday during an event hosted by the Rhode Island Hospitality & Tourism Association.

The report said the industry was hurt by soaring unemployment and weak consumer spending.

Experts said the hotel sector was hardest hit, and signs of meaningful growth may not be seen until 2011. They said a surge in the number of hotels drove down rates, while travel also decreased.

Leisure travel in Rhode Island is expected to bounce back more quickly. It’s predicted to increase by 1.4 percent in 2010.

All-around spending is also expected to increase in the next year, which experts say is a key to overall economic recovery.