Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
resource information. The CVB has a reunion team in place to help with details, including providing itineraries highlighting Louisville's diverse history and all of the fun things to do. Besides plenty of fascinating Derby history, people can plan group outings to visit The Muhammad Ali Center, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Waterfront Park, Fourth Street Live!, and participate in a self-guided Civil Rights driving tour. However, if your groups are looking for fun, sun and colorful Caribbean flare without needing a passport, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are for most, a non-stop flight away. Beverly Nicholson-Doty, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism since 2007, says while they typically don't record union bookings by sub-categories, they have been receiving more inquiries recently from African-American reunion groups planning trips to the islands. Based on that information, Nicholson-Doty estimates that the Department of Tourism hosts about 10 – 20 African-Ame- rican family reun- ions a year and most visit for much more than blue water and white sandy beac- hes. "The reque- sts typically come from families with USVI and BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY other Caribbean ties who are returning to the islands to trace their roots or learn more about their her- itage." She also adds that her department helps to provide groups assistance from the minute they land until departure time by providing personalized welcome kits and working with Destination Management Companies that offer comprehensive services for groups. "In the last three months, we've ful- filled requests for tourism materials for three class reunions and I'm currently assisting with planning for a group of ladies from the Virgin Islands who are returning to celebrate their 50th birth- days," says Nicholson-Doty. She adds that most reunion group trips last 5 – 7 days and that USVI, which consists of three islands – St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix – are so close together, atten- dees can make day trips out of each island. And while the USVI is sunny and warm year-round, some of the island's best deals for planners/orga- nizers can be found during the summer months. Besides all-inclusive hotels, resorts, shopping in Charlotte Amalie, and a variety of water sports, the USVI is also teeming with amazing history, such as the distinction of having the first African-American Governor and then later Federal Judge, William H. Hastie. Groups can learn more about Caribbean roots by visiting places like Fort Frederick on St. Croix, Emanci- pation Park on St. Thomas or the African slave revolt of 1733 in St. John. For more inFormation, visit: Pensacola, FL www.visitpensacola.com Virginia Beach, VA www.visitvirniniabeach.com Macon-Bibb, GA www.visitmacon.org Louisville, KY www.gotolouisville.com United States Virgin Islands www.VisitUSVI.com Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57 BM&T'SANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN REUNIONS FOCUS