Many in the tourism industry are unhappy with the direction Florida is taking in its restrictive policies toward marginalized communities, but they don't believe the solution is to avoid traveling to the state.
The $5.5 million grant will obviously help, but Chicago faces a large uphill as it crafts a more inclusive tourism. It's facing historic racial inequalities that continue to keep many neighborhoods down.
Historical preservation in hotel design isn't new, but it remains relatively rare for hotels to honor the rich histories of their Black neighborhoods. The industry need more leaders like Larry Crosby, general manager of The Foundry Hotel, part of Hilton's Curio Collection.
Unlike many Americans eager to avoid any mentions of slavery, Stephanie Lampkin believes it's critical to address how its legacy is still driving the widespread inequality plaguing the U.S. — a point she strives to make to visitors to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Telesa Via's story at IHG's Kimpton brand of hotels spotlights a broader surge of industry interest in making the hotel sector more welcoming for Black leaders in all roles.
Applause is due to Wyndham. The world's largest hotel franchisor is finding practical ways to reduce the friction that discourages many Black entrepreneurs from becoming hoteliers.
Martinique Lewis has created a brand for herself in diversity travel with The ABC Travel Green Book and the Diversity Travel Scorecard. As the industry confronts the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter global reckoning, Lewis is poised to help businesses become more inclusive and welcoming for all travelers.
The pandemic has made fundraising for museums all the harder in such tough economic times. But nearly five months after the killing of George Floyd and a summer filled with promises, Black tourism attractions are still waiting for more than lip service.
It’s long been the case that destination marketers have largely ignored Black travelers. But with the widespread protests following George Floyd’s murder, the industry is rightly being called out. It's time to go beyond mere representation and focus on holistic change from the inside out.