Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101952
ICI •pg_3-13__BMT_pg3-58 12/21/12 2:38 AM Page 3 BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM CONTENTS VOLUME 19, ISSUE 9, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 COVER STORY 30 Family reunions are a time-honored tradition in the African-American community dating back 150 years. These multi-generational family gatherings are arguably the largest sector of the African-American travel and tourism market. BM&T'S Annual Family Reunions Focus explores this revenue generating niche within a niche By Michael Bennett FEATURES 18 Blue Chip Casino: Where Business and Pleasure are Perfectly Matched profiles this Michigan City hotspot, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Michigan about an hour east of Chicago. By Cletus Ramsey 21 How to Satisfy Your Customer Every Time offers a few tips on how to deliver outstanding customer service on the front end, so you aren't faced with the need for damage control on the back end. DEPARTMENTS 4 5 6 8 10 12 14 15 16 19 20 23 24 26 27 35 43 44 45 46 Publisher's Message Calendar of Events Newsmakers In The News Speaking of People Hotel Happenings Museum Notes Site Review #1 – Hyatt Regency Monterey NABHOOD News Site Review #2 – JW Marriott Cancun Pacesetters – Saun Lightbourne Association News Religious Review Site Review #3 – Sheraton Fairplex TPOC News Briefs Caribbean Corner Cruise News Conference Report – Texas Black Expo. From the Motherland Travel Data By Michael Bennett AREA GUIDES 36 While U.S. Travel's Brand USA campaign is helping destinations in the States ramp up their marketing to potential visitors from abroad, their island neighbors to the east and south are hoping those travelers don't forget them. The African-American Guide to Meetings, Incentives & Traveling in the Caribbean offers an overview for planners contemplating meeting in the region. 47 52 53 56 57 North Carolina Phoenix Sitka Boston Birmingham By Sonya Stinson Driftwood along one of the many Tranquil beachs in Bardados BM&T ••• September/October 2012 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3