Since we ’ ve been in existence , several organizations have reached out to us , saying “ Hey , I ’ ve been looking for a way to get in touch with Black travel professionals , can you help me ?” So that ’ s one of the great things about us being here and a way for suppliers to get involved . Reach out to us and say “ Hey , what can we do ? Can we be a part of your organization ?”
BIGBUBBLEBEE99 / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
SPANN : There aren ’ t that many Black BDMs . There aren ’ t many Black managers . Not many Black VPs . Not many Black presidents . Not many Black CEOs at travel companies . So , when you ’ re in a room and you have your leadership of your company trying to figure out what to do , who are you asking , who can you ask ? One of our goals of the organization is that we ’ re trying to build both sides , we ’ re trying to build relationships with suppliers and hold them accountable , too . Look for people of color to guide your ship .
I think there ’ s a good business reason for it . We ’ re just talking about our demographic right now : Black people . There is a historical tie . When you think back to Jim Crow laws and the [ Negro Motorist ] Green Book , the guide put together in the ’ 30s ( and used through the ’ 60s ). A postman put together a collection of hotels , restaurants , amusement parks that were safe for and accepted Black people because at that time , everything was segregated . And Black people traveling through the country would be humiliated or embarrassed or even have their safety in question . So , he started the Green Book , which was a guide of safe places to go . And one of the things I didn ’ t realize is that , in this current day and age as a travel agent , we always get this question from our consumers : “ How will we be treated there ? Do they like Black people there ? Do Black people go there ?” To this day , we still have that DNA , that residue of “ We ’ re not sure we ’ re going to be welcome in a place where we travel .” And I think that destinations , hotels and travel companies should try to understand where that comes from . And if they do , then they could take proactive steps to show that they are [ welcoming ].
LUCKY-PHOTOGRAPHER / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
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