Summary
New Initiative by New York to Attract Black Travelers
New York is ensuring that Black travelers include the Empire State in their travel plans. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a new initiative to showcase why New York is a premier vacation destination for Black travelers. This initiative highlights the state’s “unparalleled Black history, culture, food, and arts,” as noted by Hochul in a recent statement.
Rich Black Heritage in New York
Despite the fact that Black travelers contribute approximately $109 billion each year to domestic leisure travel, accounting for over 13 percent of the U.S. travel market, they remain significantly underrepresented in destination marketing and initiatives.
New York has deep connections to Black heritage: the birthplace of hip-hop is the Bronx; it features numerous preserved Underground Railroad sites; and boasts museums that recognize Black achievements, such as the Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan and the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum in Buffalo. The state is also home to one of the largest Black diasporas in the nation, including individuals from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, South America, and the U.S.
Experiences to Celebrate Black Culture
Consequently, the state offers numerous experiences for travelers eager to honor Black history, celebrate Black culture, and support Black-owned businesses. As part of New York’s new program, a dedicated section of its tourism website will feature itineraries, blogs, guides, and resources that focus on Black experiences, facilitating effective planning for travelers.
“From sites and museums that bring Black history to life to world-class arts and cultural institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York has so much to offer,” Hochul stated in a release provided to GoTravelDaily. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners to welcome even more visitors to experience Black culture in our state.”
“I am proud that our state will proactively highlight the incredible diversity we have to offer and encourage travelers from around the world to experience and appreciate New York’s Black culture,” added Antonio Delgado, New York State’s lieutenant governor, in the same release.
Previous Initiatives for Inclusivity
This is not the first initiative New York State has introduced to position itself as an inclusive destination. Previous efforts include “I Love NY LGBTQ“, which provides resources like a compilation of historic sites celebrating LGBTQ+ history, a calendar of Pride events, and a roundup of LGBTQ+ community centers statewide. Another initiative, “Accessible NY,” shares valuable information such as wheelchair-accessible attractions and curated itineraries for people with accessibility needs.
