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April 28, 2008

Partnership to help Chinese tour Newport mansions

The Preservation Society of Newport County and the U.S.-China Institute at Bryant University are teaming up to benefit Chinese-speaking tourists visiting the Newport Mansions and others interested in learning about Chinese culture.

Bryant University President Ronald K. Machtley and Preservation Society CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe will meet at the Chinese Tea House at Marble House to sign the accord on Friday.

Under the agreement, the U.S.-China Institute will translate the Preservation Society’s printed tour scripts into Mandarin, and will periodically provide a Mandarin-speaking guide for Chinese tour groups at the Preservation Society’s largest properties.

“We currently offer printed tour scripts in several languages,” said Coxe, “With Chinese-speaking tourists making up a large and growing segment of Newport Mansions’ visitors, the ability to offer them tours in their own language will enhance their experience and make the mansions more attractive as a destination.”

“Travel and tourism in Rhode Island is a $4.7-billion industry,” said Denise Schweren, assistant director for business services at Bryant’s U.S.-China Institute. “Creative partnerships like the one with The Preservation Society of Newport County will help ensure that Rhode Island is a welcoming destination for the increasingly mobile Chinese tourist.”

Posted by John Kostrzewa  at 8:40 AM | Permalink

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