Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1140472
3 CONTENTS 29 29 VOLUME 26, ISSUE 5, MAY/JUNE 2019 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Hotel Happenings 12 Newsmakers 46 Caribbean Corner 48 Cruise News 50 From The Motherland 51 BVI 52 Colorado 54 Illinois 55 Missouri 58 New Jersey 60 Southern California 17 17 B M & T ••• May/June 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT AREA GUIDES The South is well known for its deeply rooted African- American heritage, civil rights history and influential culinary and musical traditions. Think of Birmingham's Civil Rights District, Atlanta's Sweet Auburn neighborhood, Mississippi Delta blues, New Orleans jazz, Memphis barbecue joints and South Carolina Low Country cooking. Besides accommodat- ing meeting groups of all sizes with a variety of facilities, Southern destinations offer plenty of attractions and ameni- ties for African-American reunion groups — many of which might be seeking to reconnect with their Southern roots. African-American Guide to Meeting, Incentives & Travel in the South tells the whole story. By Rufus McKinney 25 25 14 14 15 15 A new hotel development and tennis facility is planned for Miramar, FL. Observing the principals Albert Tucker, VP of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, and City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam discuss ideas central to the project is like watching longtime tennis partners volley the eco- nomic ball back and forth with dexterity. If the tourna- ment is tourism and creating opportunity for economic growth is a victory, tennis is a game to watch. Tennis Anyone? reports on the partnership between The American Tennis Association and the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB to develop a world-class facility in Miramar. By Dennis B. Rogers, PHD Karlyn LeBlanc is a licensed Master Social Worker who has over 20 years of clinical therapy experience. She is a motiva- tional speaker and a published author of several books. LeBlanc is also the founder of Black Girls Travel Therapy (BGTT), a woman empowerment travel organization. The organization was birthed with the purposeful idea to empow- er women to become comfortable in their skin and love themselves inside and out. Photo Credit: Miami CVB Who Will Be the Next Black CVB President/CEO? is aimed at the industry movers and shakers who year after year give the same tired excuse that "We'd love to consider an African-American for this position, but we can't find a qualified Black person to hire." This cadre of eminently qualified, highly skilled and experienced hospitality industry professionals is ready, willing and able to take on the responsibilities of a con- vention and visitors bureau president/CEOshould the oppor- tunity present itself. By Gloria Herbert Miami Doral Golf Resort & Spa Unique Meeting Spaces in the Southeast profiles four spectacular properties –– The Read House, Fairlane Hotel, Hotel Clermont and Kimpton Overland – for planners looking for a memorable venue to hold their next meeting.