Discover Newport defends tourism-district plan as council and residents press for guarantees

Discover Newport’s newly introduced executive director, Vicky Cimino, presented the district plan and explained the administrative mechanics for the Tourism Marketing District, which would collect a $1.50 per-room-night assessment remitted monthly by lodging properties. “This is just a fee that tourists pay a dollar 50 a night, and it goes into a marketing fund,” a council speaker summarized during the hearing as Discover Newport outlined its plan to use the funds to support off‑season marketing and destination development.

Councilors pressed Discover Newport on whether the district would pay for staff time and whether the city could be asked to collect assessments. Councilor Carlin asked whether businesses outside the 20 participating hotels would be able to object; the city solicitor confirmed no protests were received from the lodging properties and explained the statutory protest threshold. Discover Newport’s representative said the district plan “allows us to charge the district for salaries” but that any such charges were not mandated. Public commenter Joanna Salvo challenged Discover Newport’s priorities, citing published figures and asking why hotels appeared to receive preferential support: “Discover Newport invested 4,500,000,” she said, comparing that to spending by hotel collections. Supporters from smaller inns and Castle Hill (managing director Brian Young) argued the marketing dollars produce spillover benefits for restaurants and bed‑and‑breakfasts. After extended discussion about indemnity, fee collection, and whether the city would function as bill‑collector, the council closed the hearing and proceeded with related motions; an initial vote to approve the resolution failed on a show of hands and later related items were handled by the council during the meeting.