Mission Statement

As the official trade group of the foodservice, lodging, restaurant, and tourism industries, the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association was formed for the purpose of developing and providing programs, services, and support to our members by protecting their interests, promoting industry partnerships, and providing education and leadership such that members receive a definable return on their investment.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association Education Foundation, a non-profit Rhode Island corporation, was formed for the purpose of encouraging persons embarked in a career in the foodservice or hospitality industries in Rhode Island. Through the use of scholarships, grants, and endowments in conjunction with course curriculum involving foodservice and hospitality management and other associated activities. The Education Foundation relies on the support and partnership of the vocational schools and colleges, as well as other educational settings, in the promotion of the education and understanding of the general public, including persons involved in the foodservice and hospitality industries, about the careers available in foodservice and hospitality.

History

The Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association (RIHTA) was formed in 1982 with the merger of the Rhode Island Restaurant Association and the Rhode Island Hotel Association.

With over 500 foodservice and hospitality members in Rhode Island alone, the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association has been the voice of the hospitality and foodservice industries in the state for the past twenty years.

The competitive business environment of the 21st century places many obstacles in front of the average business owner. The challenges of this fast-paced business society consumes the time and resources of most hospitality and foodservice owners. We at RIHTA are committed to providing the vision, leadership, legislative support, and educational resources to business owners and managers as well as providing the competitive edge required in today’s ever-changing economy.

RIHTA has strong partnerships with the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association. In maintaining these partnerships, RIHTA provides members with the support and professionalism that ensures industry growth. In addition, RIHTA’s partners provide many benefits to our members, including discounts and educational services needed to help keep the hospitality and foodservice industries running smoothly.

The Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association has also made a serious commitment to the education of future career holders in the hospitality and foodservice industries with the formation of a strong Education Foundation. The Education Foundation was formed with the purpose of encouraging individuals to embark on a career in the foodservice and hospitality industries in the state of Rhode Island. In the eight short years that the Education Foundation had been in existence, it has shown tremendous growth in the field by way of strong education initiatives with the help of customer service and food safety training programs.