Have you considered supporting Black-owned businesses while you’re traveling this summer? During the warmer months, many people want to relax, get out of town, and spend a little extra money on having a good time. Because of this higher spending tendency, Black-owned businesses, especially those in the travel space, have more opportunities to grow.
Imagine the impact if even a fraction of the millions of dollars contributed by Black travelers to the travel industry went to supporting Black-owned businesses in the travel space. Whether you’re a solo traveler, vacationer, or someone who takes a trip once a year, you have the power to shape diversity, inclusion, and representation within the tourism industry.
For summer 2024 and beyond, let’s talk about how you can support Black-owned businesses.
1. Stay in Black-Owned Accommodations
Did you know that the legacy of Black-owned hotels in the United States spans over two centuries? These establishments have a rich history, dating from before and during the Jim Crow era. Many of the first establishments were published in The Negro Motorist Green-Book, written by Victor Hugo Green, which listed safe locations to eat and stay so that Black travelers wouldn’t have to endure harassment or discrimination.
The hotel business became more official in the 1800s when Eliza Seymour Lee, a free Black woman, founded hotels and lodging houses with her husband, John. Together, they owned and operated several establishments, including the Lee House, the Mansion House, the Jones Hotel in Charleston, and the Moultrie House on Sullivan’s Island.
In 1869, James Wormley founded and managed the first Black-owned luxury hotel in the United States, the Wormley Hotel, in Washington.
For your next trip, consider staying at a Black-owned establishment. To find Black-owned hotels, search the directory of The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers.
On their website, you can search by state and find a list of Black-owned, developed, or operated hotels. You can even find locations within the Caribbean and Africa.
There is also a multifaceted site especially geared for Black travelers: Noirbnb. Check it out to see if any of the accommodations or deals are right for you.
2. Book with Black-Owned Tour Companies
Of course, you’re booking a tour for your next trip to see the sites and learn about the culture. Why not select a Black-owned tour company? Start by searching for Black-owned tour companies in the destination you are planning to visit.
If you can’t find any Black-owned companies, you can consider booking through a Black travel agent. This approach allows you to book with someone aware of and sensitive to your needs as a Black traveler.
Here is a list of a few Black-owned companies to get you started.
3. Go on Tours That Focus on Highlighting Black Culture
Black culture and history exist across the world but it’s often obscured. Therefore, learning about Black history is often a great way to support Black businesses. For instance, one of my favorite tours is the African Tour of Lisbon in Portugal. I remember learning how small, seemingly insignificant aspects, such as the street’s names, were connected to the names of many important and influential Black people in Lisbon’s history.
There are also African-focused tours in London, and numerous Black history walks. There is the a Black history tour in Seville, Spain. Even in New York City, you can visit and learn about the rich tapestry of Black culture.
You can also visit Black history museums if a tour is not available. By supporting businesses, events, and people who promote and preserve Black culture and history, you are helping to communicate the importance of Black stories.
4. Purchase Black-Owned Travel Accessories
When packing for your trip, look at your items and ask yourself if there is a Black-owned version of this. For example, did you know that there is a Black-owned sunscreen company? Other Black-owned companies where you can buy your travel accessories include
5. Download Black-Owned Travel Apps
One vital thing to do before you leave is download a travel app. Essential apps include Google Translate and Maps, money exchange apps, and WhatsApp. Additionally, several apps can help you support Black-owned businesses.
One of the major apps is the ABC Travel Greenbook app, which connects you with Black-owned businesses and Black communities worldwide. You can locate Black-owned businesses through filters, through live reviews, and by creating an itinerary. You can also create a public profile to connect with other users on the app. It’s not just a directory; it’s a platform for community engagement.
The ecosystem of Black-owned apps continues beyond there. There is also Soko for those like me who love buying fresh produce and finding unique products at farmers’ markets. This app will help you find where to buy fresh and locally sourced produce, get real-time updates from farmers and vendors, and pay for your products through the app.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy EatOkra, a restaurant app that guides you to Black-owned eateries in various cities. For solo travelers looking to connect with other travelers, you can use the app TravSolo, created by entrepreneur Chizoba Anyaoha. It offers a safer and more organized travel experience by allowing you to plan and visualize your trip and share it as a travel story with others.
There is also Black Travel Guide, a travel app focused on providing Black travelers with information on Black-owned businesses and establishments, both locally and internationally. What is unique about this app is you can find inclusive experiences, even in non-Black-owned establishments.
Reflecting on all the ways to support Black businesses while traveling, I am reminded that traveling across the United States was once a dangerous task for Black people. Yet Black travelers from the past bought cars, rode across state lines, and made it possible for Black people today to travel freely. Travel has always been a part of the Black culture, and it’s on us to support each other within the travel space.
What's Your Reaction?
