Rhode Island tourism marketers have tried many things over the years to entice visitors to Ocean State, but none have ever had a stuffed seven-foot-tall clam. .
This summer, select airports across the country, including Los Angeles International Airport, will feature 3D replicas of Rhode Island’s signature baked bivalves.
The planned padding installation is part of a new $4.5 million campaign to market Rhode Island to air travelers at destinations served by flights to Rhode Island TF Green International Airport. In addition to Los Angeles, expect to encounter travelers in Atlanta, Detroit and Baltimore.
Exactly how big the terminal-dwelling quahogs will be, as well as the materials used in their construction, are still unknown, said Lindsey Russell, a spokeswoman for Rhode Island Commerce.
more:Tourism fiasco shows the incompetence of our special brand
“Installation and activation reinforce traditional marketing tactics aimed at increasing visibility in key flight markets,” Russell wrote in an email. “The stuffed animal installation is one of the small aspects of this strategy that allows him to capitalize on his tourism through the unique and delicious cuisine that Rhode Island has to offer.”
She said other installations are being considered, including a miniature Newport mansion.
Why stuffed instead of other Rhode Island foods, such as the official state appetizer based on squid?
“Stuffy is a little-known Rhode Island delicacy that is very unique in our area. The stuffy installation is an eye-catching piece intended to make potential visitors want to know more. Visual and not as famous as squid,” she wrote.
Stuffie is minced quahog meat mixed with bread crumbs and aromatics and baked in the half-shell.
Accompanying the installation will be “brand ambassadors,” who will speak to customers and offer them the chance to win “merch and visits to Rhode Island via prizes, Instagrammable moments, and more,” Russell wrote. I’m here.
Whether the airport congestion first reported by the “Rhode Island Current” will attract or scare travelers away is anyone’s guess, as tourism marketing campaigns are hit or miss in nature.
Rhode Island’s “Fun Size” promotion was generally viewed positively, but the “Cooler and Warmer” logo and slogan cost people jobs.
Aside from general tourism promotion, getting potential air travelers from other states to come to Rhode Island is of particular interest to airport officials. This is because TF Green’s routes have historically seen more demand for outgoing flights than incoming flights.
