Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/52019
"YEAR OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN" 2012 PROCLAIMED HERITAGE TOURISM proclaimed 2012 as the "Year of African- American Heritage Tourism." The announcement was made in response to the most pronounced interest in African- American history and culture since 1977, when Alex Haley's classic "Roots," and the mini series it spawned, created a wave of interest in travel back to Africa and genealogical exploration by many in the Black community. B "The purpose of this proclamation," explains BM&T Publisher/Editor-in- Chief Solomon J. Herbert, "is to encour- age African-Americans to learn more lack Meetings & Tourism (BM&T), in collaboration with Travel Professionals of Color (TPOC), has about their history and culture through travel. And not just travel within the borders of the US, but travel throughout the Diaspora. In my opinion," he adds, "this can only help to revitalize the overall travel industry, and allow us to contribute to creating jobs and stimulat- ing the nation's economy, as well as exposing travelers worldwide, to the enormous cultural impact that people of African descent have made across the globe. According to the 2011 African-American Travel Report, produced by Mandala Research (www.mandalaresearch.com), a recent study shows 44% of African- Americans surveyed visited a heritage site or museum and/or attended a cultural event during their last travel experience. In concert with this mushrooming interest in heritage tourism, Black Meetings & Tourism is reintroducing a column from years gone by – "Historically Speaking," with the new tag line "On the Heritage Trail" – which will explore heritage tourism products both domestically and interna- tionally for the planners, travel agents and tour operators in their audience. Throughout 2012 check the Year of African-American Heritage Tourism sec- tion on theblackmeetingsandtourism.com website for updates regarding pertinent events, activities, travel experiences, spe- cial projects and promotions. Black Meetings & Tourism November/December 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17