WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Commerce is engaged on a brand new marketing campaign that may put installations of life-sized “stuffies” in airports throughout the nation.

“Stuffies”, also referred to as a baked stuffed clam, are a Rhode Island staple. The purpose of those installations is to get folks interested in Rhode Island and hopefully draw extra folks to the state.

Vacationers at T.F. Inexperienced Worldwide Airport have combined critiques on whether or not or not a “stuffie” would draw folks into the Ocean State. Some folks mentioned sure, however many individuals mentioned one thing else would higher symbolize Rhode Island.

“What would you suppose when you noticed an enormous stuffed declare within the airport?” requested ABC6 Reporter, Alyssa Azzara.

“SpongeBob lives right here, I don’t know,” mentioned one traveler.

“Wouldn’t it make you wish to come to Rhode Island?” requested Azzara.

“I believe so…as a result of it appears good,” defined one other traveler.

“I don’t suppose they might come to Rhode Island for that,” mentioned a 3rd traveler.

Some folks say no option to the “stuffie”, however one traveler thinks it’ll peak folks’s curiosity.

The entire concept of those life-sized installations is to get folks’s consideration.

“The purpose is to make them say properly what’s that? And after they say what’s that, we’ve achieved half certainly one of of purpose, which is to get their consideration and make them curious,” mentioned Anika Kimble-Huntley, Chief Advertising and marketing Officer at Rhode Island Commerce.

Some vacationers suppose Rhode Island Commerce might have picked one thing totally different to higher symbolize the state.

“If Rhode Island had a fantastic shoreline, or water, or mansions to go to, possibly if I noticed that I’d be extra , a quahog… in all probability not,” mentioned a traveler from Rhode Island.

Kimble-Huntley mentioned they wish to draw folks in with one thing they might not learn about, have vacationers speak with ambassadors about it, after which hopefully they’ll go to the Ocean State.

“If we’re capable of drive meals tourism to eating places who in all probability want the assistance promoting “stuffies”, then there’s an financial impression to that, then take into consideration the trickle down have an effect on, now you may have the shellfish fisherman.. Perhaps they’ll be a better demand for quahog,” defined Kimble-Huntley.

Kimble-Huntley mentioned they’re additionally taking a look at doing occasions and advertising across the “stuffie”, in addition to taking a look at placing a Newport mansion set up in airports.

The “stuffie” installations are part of a $4.5 million air service advertising program. Officers hope to have the “stuffies” in airports in June, 2023.