Black Meetings & Tourism - Industry Briefs

Industry Briefs
	GOVERNOR BRYAN NOMINATES JENNIFER MATARANGAS KING AS COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has nominated communications and public affairs executive Jennifer Matarangas King to serve as the next commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. A native of St. ... read more
	MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has been recognized as one of North America’s best-managed venues, earning a 2025 Venue Excellence Award by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAV ... read more
	MARTINIQUE STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC TIES WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES AT DALLAS EVENT Martinique deepened its strategic partnership with American Airlines (AA) last month during “ Threads of Influence”, a vibrant Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration at the airline’s Dallas-For ... read more
	NCBMP PRESENTS STATE OF BLACK TOURISM Now more than ever, our voices must Empower. Innovate and Act. On September 25, the NCBMP Annual State of Black Tourism brings together bold voices and visionary leaders to confront the realities shap ... read more
	WITH AWARDS PRESENTATION SCHEDULED FOR SAN DIEGO Every year at the Women in Tourism & Hospitality San Diego Conference, we take a moment to do something really special: shine a light on the women who are making major moves, breaking barriers, an ... read more
	AQUILA CENTER FOR CRUISE EXCELLENCE CHAMPIONS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH REGIONAL & GLOBAL TRAINING LEADERSHIP With a mission rooted in education and excellence, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence is expanding its global footprint, using high-profile speaking engagements and strategic partnerships to cham ... read more
	NABJ SELECTS ELISE DURHAM AS ITS NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has selected Elise Durham as its next executive director. Durham comes to NABJ with more than 30 years of professional work experience in televisio ... read more
	CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the appointment of Trinidadian Narendra Ramgulam as Deputy Director, Sustainable Tourism — a newly created position aligned with the CTO’s strate ... read more
	DALLAS PUTS FLAVOR ON THE AGENDA Dallas’ food scene is a force to be reckoned with. This city invents all kinds of flavors and fusions, turning heads—and tastebuds—from across the globe. Recently recognized in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide ... read more
	MAKE MEETINGS MEMORABLE IN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA Centrally located, rich in culture, and full of unique experiences, Greensboro is the perfect destination for your next meeting or convention. The Greensboro Complex, located just minutes from downtow ... read more
	PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE We have always attempted to be non-partisan in our editorial approach at Black Meetings & Tourism. With the current administration’s efforts to erase the rich history of African-Americans and elim ... read more
	U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS REPORTS STRONG MID-YEAR TOURISM GROWTH AND GLOBAL VISIBILITY IN 2025 At the halfway point of 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is reporting strong gains across airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global brand visibility. Wit ... read more
	AN OPEN LETTER TO THE INDUSTRY: ARE WE BEHIND THE CURVE IN OUR EFFORTS TO TARGET THE ETHNIC MARKET? Dear Colleagues, As we all know, in recent weeks, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have faced significant setbacks and mounting backlash across various industries throughout the nation. ... read more
	WHEN ONE IS TARGETED, ALL MUST STAND: BBA IN SOLIDARITY The Black Business Association (BBA) stands in resolute opposition to the recent ICE raids and the federal government's decision to deploy the National Guard and military forces in Los Angeles without ... read more
	LISTEN UP; COMING SOON ……… LIKING IT HOT AND BEING COOL! If you will be in Los Angeles during the first week of August this year, here is an event you won’t want to miss. Los Angeles Alumnae, Sigma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. invites you ... read more
	UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES ST. AUGUSTINE CAPTURES TOP HONORS AT CTO’S REGIONAL NEX-GEN TOURISM SHOWCASE FINAL Innovation, cultural pride and next-level creativity took center stage as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) concluded its 2025 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, crowning the University of the ... read more
	VISIT WICHITA WELCOMES DRAKE HOLMES AS GROUP SALES REPRESENTATIVE Visit Wichita is pleased to announce the addition of Drake Holmes to its team as a Group Sales Representative, where he will play a vital role in identifying and attracting events and group business t ... read more
	A MOMENT IN TIME: AMERICA SHOWING ITS TRUE COLORS The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission recently announced that a Grand Military Parade, Celebration & Broadcast Special, honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, will take place on June 14 ... read more
	NEW ORLEANS: BUILT TO HOST, BUILT TO INSPIRE New Orleans is a city like no other—where a rich confluence of cultures creates an atmosphere of warmth, inclusivity, and authenticity. That welcoming spirit defines every corner of the city and is th ... read more
	SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER WELCOMES FREDIA BRADY AS NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING The Savannah Convention Center is proud to announce the appointment of industry veteran Fredia M. Brady as Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. A familiar face in the region, Brady returns to the ... read more