Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/280564
3 B M & T ••• January/February 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CONTENTS B L A C K M E E T I N G S & T O U R I S M C O V E R S T O R Y 34 34 24 24 28 28 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 F E AT U R E S AREA GUIDES D E PA R T M E N T S Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr memorial, Washington, DC As Black Meetings & Tourism embarks on its year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration, we thought it only appro- priate to highlight attractions, destinations, venues and organizations of significance to the more than $56 billon market segment that we serve. In keeping with the "20- year" theme, we feel 20 Unforgettable African- American Heritage Sites/Venues is the perfect fit for Black History Month. By Solomon J. Herbert 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 8 In The News 10 Hotel Happenings 12 Museum Notes 13 Meeting the Needs of Your Meeting 22 Center of Attention – Long Beach Convention Center 32 Caribbean Corner 40 Travel Data 41 Traveling The Globe – St. Croix 46 Cruise News 48 From Motherland 50 The Bahamas 52 Baton Rouge 54 Jamaica 56 Pennsylvania 20 20 We are arguably the most misunderstood market in travel and tourism. Destinations either don't court African-Americans, or tempt us with trite and trivial pro- motions not understanding our wants, desires, history and full economic clout "What You Don't Know is Costing You" debunks the myth that African-American travelers and meeting planners are a market segment not worth investing in, and reports on the big bucks that far too many destination leave on the table without even knowing it. By Michael Bennett 30 30 Most of the time you will hear people complain that they do not have enough time to finish up their tasks which generally lead to un-productivity as well as stress. Effective Time Management Tips shows you how to be more productive and efficient without the stress. By Velton W. Showell III 44 44 The cruise industry is the fastest growing segment in travel and tourism with demand outstripping supply across all sectors. Despite the negative press following the Carnival and Royal Caribbean fiascos, the popularity of cruising doesn't appear to be waning. Cruise Conferences: AreThey Cost Effective? takes a look at this sector and how it matches up against land-based meet- ings and conferences when t comes to the bottom line. By Michael Bennett At a time in our nation's history of renewed calls for economic fairness and a restoration of the ideals once known as the American dream, travel and tourism remains one of the least progressive industries in the nation in terms of economic opportunity for all. Should There Be a CVB Report Card? offers one possible strategy for leveraging our buying power to create more parity for peo- ple of color in the hospitality/travel/meetings industry. By Michael Bennett 18 18 Montreal – All That Jazz, and So Much More showcases a city that will always provide fertile ground for those seeking an urban adventure to sink their hearts and minds into. By Matt Thomas BM&T Partners With GFLCVB to Organize Hosted Buyer Program that will bring members of the National Policy Alliance (NPA) to this popular Florida city famous for its beaches, arts and culture. Scheduled for March 13-17 at headquarters hotel Westin Diplomat Fort Lauderdale, about a dozen top association executives and meeting planners from the NPA will descend on Fort Lauderdale from around the nation to participate in a two- part Town Hall Meeting with local elected officials and rep- resentatives from the business, religious, hospitality and meetings communities •pg_3-11__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/14 3:04 PM Page 3