Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/5950
Black Meetings & Tourism December 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 3 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 C O V E R S T O R Y 22 22 From music to movies, from the Civil War to civil rights, more and more travelers are seeking authentic experi- ences of the culture and history of the places they visit. We examine this phenomenon in this month's cover story entitled The Importance of Heritage Tourism. By Sonya Stinson CVB Heads Annual Report is our yearly opportunity for top bureau presidents across the nation to weigh in with their take on the state of our industry and what the new year holds in store for us. By Gloria M. Herbert VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12, December 2009 41 41 33 33 37 37 51 51 F E A T U R E S F E A T U R E S This fourth edition of Black Meetings and Tourism's 25 Largest African-American Conventions seems to sug- gest that despite all the doom and gloom pronounce- ments, African-American attendance appears to be bucking the trend. By Michael Bennett It is nearly 2010 and more and more African-Americans are learning how to put their money to work for them rather than just go through life as consumers. Black- Owned Hotels a Growing Phenomenon reports on African-Americans who are building wealth for our community by investing in the lodging industry. By Solomon J. Herbert II Tourists and meeting planners looking at Philadelphia for their next destination will have several new options to choose from as the city gears up for a new Convention Center expansion and other renovations. Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion Drives Hotel Develo- pment and Proposed Renovation Projects tells the whole story. By Edith Billups 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 7 Fam Report – Kansas City 8 Arts & Entertainment 12 Speaking of People 13 Museum Notes 14 Hotel Happenings 16 Local Hero – Dennis Rahiim Watson 18 Site Review #1 – Costa Rica 21 Pacesetters – Lonnie Bunch 28 Gateway to Hospitality 30 Applause – Anita Johnson Patty 31 A.C.T. Now! 32 Cruise News 36 Religious Review 39 Conference Report - ASAE 40 Caribbean Corner 48 Site Review #2 - Bahamas 60 From the Motherland 61 Great Groups A R E A G U I D E S A R E A G U I D E S 62 Louisiana 64 Wisconsin 68 Ohio 72 Caribbean Regional D E P A R T M E N T S D E P A R T M E N T S Philadelphia Convention Center Photo Credit: Philadelphia CVB