Black travelers are underrepresented in tourism marketing, advertising and services. And Black leisure travelers are a growing but under-tapped market. A 2021 report by MMGY Global found that Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4 billion on domestic travel and $129.6 billion on international travel. Another report in 2021 found that 54 percent of Black travelers are “more likely to visit a destination if they see Black representation in travel advertising.”

Black businesses have the best insight on offering Black travelers meaningful and safe travel experiences, with their unique needs in mind. Here are some of the top Black-owned companies covering all facets of the tourism industry including tour groups and operators, goods and services, lodging, and more.

Travel Supplies

Hair care products offered in hotel rooms are mostly not optimal for 3A or coiler curl types. If you’re driving to your next travel destination, you can aways tuck your favorite conditioner in your bag. But TSA restrictions on liquid sizes can make taking the best hair care products on your next flight a lot harder.  Black Travel Box solves that problem with its TSA-compliant line of products catered to Black hair and skin. The products are concentrated, so a little goes a long way on thick hair. Take the company’s travel quiz to figure out the best destinations, hairstyle and products for you.

Looking for a trendy, classy tote and bag for your next flight overseas? Check out Tote & Carry, founded by partners Tony Rey and Tony Dennis. Available in multiple colors, the matching backpack and duffle bag sets by Tote & Carry are the perfect sizes for a personal item and carry-on. If you like to avoid checking bags, this combo is for you. Both pieces are roomy with lots of compartments for your stuff.

It’s no secret that skin of all shades is susceptible to UV damage. But it’s annoying when you’re endlessly rubbing in sunscreen because it leaves a white cast on dark skin, and just won’t absorb. Shontay Lundy was tired of this problem, so she founded Black Girl Sunscreen in 2016. The SPF 30 sunscreen goes on clear and contains humectants that protect skin against premature aging, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. 

Travel Apps

Maybe you don’t want to pay for your airline ticket all up front, but you don’t want to accrue interest on a credit card, either. Airfordable allows you to instead pay a partial, up-front fee when booking airline tickets. You’ll continue to pay off the fare in installments before the flight. Ama Marfo created the travel app after experiencing the price shock of booking flights home to Ghana as a college student.

It's no secret that purchasing your food at farmers markets while traveling is a great way to save money and sample fresh, local food and goods. Founded by Hugh Molotsi, Soko helps you find farmers markets while traveling, connects you to food producers and even lets you place orders. “Soko” translates to “market” in Swahili.

Safety and a sense of connection are prime concerns for Black tourists domestically and abroad. Founded by Martinique Lewis, ABC Greenbook helps Black travelers connect with Black communities and businesses abroad; a helpful tool for expats. Lewis was inspired by the Negro Motorist Greenbook, which aided Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. 

Lodging

Urban Cowboy Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee is part of the Urban Cowboy brand, co-founded and co-owned by Jersey Banks. The brand also has properties in Denver and the Catskills. The Nashville location is an adults-only resort, with eight incredible suites within a Victorian mansion. Head to the hotel’s Public House Bar, a former stable house, for craft cocktails and award-winning pizza.

Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, New York was founded in 1995 by Monique Greenwood, former editor-in-chief for Essence Magazine. The bed & breakfast features luxurious, Afrocentric suites in an 1860s mansion. Greenwood has also opened high-end properties in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Cape May, New Jersey.

La Maison in Midtown in Houston, Texas is a European-themed, luxury bed & breakfast owned by Sharon Owens and Genora Boykins. Guest rooms have five-star amenities such as private spa baths, couples rain showers, and jacuzzi tubs. Located in the heart of Houston, the property puts you just a few minutes from popular restaurants and more. 

Tour Operators

Explore Jax Core, owned by Yollie Copeland, features tours of Jacksonville, Florida and its surroundings. If you’re interested in Black history and culture, Copeland will curate a guided tour of the city based on those themes and more.

Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, owned by Stephanie M. Jones, operates in multiple cities and connects travelers with local experts on Black history. CHAT focuses on history tours that highlight important, but lesser-known Black figures.

OMNoire, owned by Christina Rice, offers global wellness retreats catered to Black women. Take the OMNoire quiz to find out which retreat is right for you. Retreats cover multiple interests including yoga, wine, books and more.

Look out for your safety while traveling domestically and abroad by purchasing travel insurance. You should know that your standard health insurance policy may not fully protect you if you have a medical emergency abroad. Emergency medical benefits included in certain Allianz Travel Insurance plan can help you fill coverage gaps while traveling internationally.  We also offer benefits that can provide reimbursement for certain non-refundable expenses in the event that your trip is delayed or canceled for a covered reason. 

Get a quote today to find out how we can help you travel with peace of mind.

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