“ AT ADVENTURE IN BLACK , WE ’ RE PIONEERING A TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL ETHOS , CENTERED AROUND INCLU- SIVITY AND REPRESENTATION . OUR MISSION IS TO AMPLIFY THE STORIES AND HERITAGE OF BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE , OFFERING JOURNEYS THAT EXPLORE THE RICH , DIVERSE TAPESTRIES OF CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD . BY ENSURING THESE NARRATIVES ARE HEARD AND CELEBRATED , WE ’ RE BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND FOSTERING A TRAVEL INDUSTRY THAT IS TRULY EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE . EVERY EXPEDITION WITH US IS A STEP TOWARD A WORLD WHERE TRAVEL RESONATES WITH ALL , REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND .”
COURTNEY SIMONE , CEO AND FOUNDER OF ADVENTURE IN BLACK
a broad selection of marketing pieces representing diverse backgrounds and ethnicities . A recent success story was an agent sharing with us that she used our LGBTQ + wedding flyers at a bridal show and secured a destination wedding with Playa based off having targeted collateral to review during the show .” JERMAINE HUMPHREY , DIRECTOR OF SALES USA FOR PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS
n an industry bursting with choices ,
“ ITravel Concierge Partners ( TCP ) stands out with its distinct mission : championing inclusivity . As an LGBTQ + -owned travel agency , TCP understands the community ’ s unique needs and actively crafts luxurious experiences tailored for them . From all-inclusive resorts to boutique escapes , TCP ’ s offerings resonate with a commitment to safe , high-end and diverse adventures . Actively affiliated with global LGBTQ + tourism networks , TCP ’ s specialization doesn ’ t just celebrate diversity — it ’ s central to it . For travel professionals seeking to understand true inclusivity in the industry , TCP ’ s approach offers a masterclass in meaningful , tailored service .” LATICIA JACOBS , CEO OF TRAVEL CONCIERGE PARTNERS
orwegian Cruise Line has always
“ Nbeen committed to providing inclusivity and access to world-class vacation experiences — we are constantly improving and applying the most updated accessibility standards to exceed our guests ’ expectations . We actually have a dedicated team of Accessibility Coordinators who are specifically trained to assist our mutual clients with disabilities and special needs . This team is available to all guests before , during and even after their cruise . We recommend that you reach out to the Access Desk on behalf of your clients , or have them contact them directly , between 45-90 days in advance for accessibility assistance with things like mobility challenges , deaf and low hearing , blind and low vision , service animals , dietary requirements , medical needs and additional assistance in general .” DEREK LLOYD , MCC , VICE PRESIDENT OF AGENCY SALES , NORTH AMERICA FOR NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES
nclusion is about the full participa- of all people . Our clients come
“ Ition from all walks of life , but we have a calling to help those who think they can never afford to travel . Our marching orders are to understand our clients where they are , where they ’ ve been and where they want to go , then in partnership design their ultimate luxury experience . As needed , we teach them how to afford and attain what they desire with savings strategies and forecasting . We want our clients to uncover or experience remarkable diversity , landscapes and culture . We vigorously research and offer destinations , resorts , cruises , tours and activities that are LGBTQ + - , military- and veteran-friendly , accessible and rich with diversity and representation from their front-line staff to leadership , social media and marketing imagery . We believe travel is a right to be enjoyed by everyone and hope our intentional efforts continue to open the world ’ s doors .” DR . DANETTE Y . WALL , A CRUISE PLANNERS ® INDEPENDENT FRANCHISE OWNER
arisma Hotels & Resorts , in part- with Autism Double-
“ Knership
Checked , introduced the world ’ s first-ever Autism Concierge to support guests traveling with a child with autism or adult guests with autism . In Mexico , staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya , Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún , Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún , Generations Riviera Maya , El Dorado Royale , El Dorado Casitas Royale , El Dorado Maroma , El Dorado Seaside Suites and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows , and in the Dominican Republic , staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana , have completed the intensive stages of training that certifies them as Autism Double-Checked . We are immensely proud of this achievement and the staff ’ s commitment to the success of the program .” MARILYN CAIRO , VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL SALES FOR KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS
WINTER 2023 / THE COMPASS / 83