Gone are the days when families dialed a travel agent to book vacations. Or, so we all thought. Victor Hugo Green piloted the concept of a Black travel guide in response to safety concerns for Black travelers. Today, the market still exists, and it’s better than ever.
Black travelers spend money. If we were to look at the last “normal” travel year before COVID-19, our demographic dropped over $109 billion in travel expenses. It’s clear we love adventure, so there should be a market just for us, right?
Actually, there is. Travel advisors around the globe are noting that we’re driving luxury and cultural travel. This created a niche that allowed Black travel entrepreneurs to design agencies, tour companies, and more that cater specifically to us.
Companies like Green Book Global, Up In The Air Life, and Soul of America were created for us. Each of these companies provides curated travel arrangements for Black travelers or guides and information on travel safety, Black-owned companies, and Black cultural highlights to see.
There are travel agencies and tourism hubs that are Black-owned and operated AND that specifically cater to our travel needs. By using these companies, we can have a banging Black travel experience while supporting Black businesses. It’s a win-win.