Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/926592
CINCINNATI USA CVB CREATES NEW MULTICULTURAL SALES TEAM B M & T ••• November/December 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the creation of a new multicul- tural sales team to build on its success in attracting multicultural meetings and conven- tions to the region. Industry trends and changing national demo- graphics indicate that the multicultural sector in the tourism and hospi- tality industry will continue to show strong growth in the coming years. In response, this move is a strategic allocation of CVB resources to attract and win more diverse business. "We are committed to making Cincinnati the most welcoming city in America," said Mike Laatsch, COO of the CVB. "The creation of our multicultural sales and development team allows us to be more fully invested in this important initiative moving forward." Utilizing targeted sales strategies with this specialized team, the CVB will focus efforts on coordinating and fostering relationships with diverse organiza- tions on local, state and national levels. The team will continue to build on the CVB's already strong foundation by working with the many faith groups that have hosted events in Cincinnati in the past. Emphasis will be placed on broadening the CVB's diversity focus to increase activity with Asian, Hispanic, Indian, LGBT groups and more. Engaging and concentrating efforts on emerging markets will expand the CVB's pipeline of potential business. Additionally, the CVB will explore new leisure marketing opportunities through its affiliate, the Regional Tourism Network. "Our sales team has been diligent in attracting some of the top mul- ticultural and religious groups in the nation, and we've seen great suc- cess," said Jason Dunn. "By capitaliz- ing on our strengths in this sector with our experienced and ambitious team, and through continued partnership with our supportive community and corporate partners, we expect to see continued growth and increased visibility of Cincinnati as a top destination for groups of all races, reli- gions, sexualities and backgrounds." CVB's Commitment to Diversity Throughout the last decade, the CVB has taken a dedicated approach to reaching and working with diverse groups. In that time, Cincinnati has hosted or booked 19 of the top 25 multicultural groups in the nation. In 2015, the CVB was one of two charter sponsors for the inaugural "State of Black Tourism" event hosted by the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, where Dan Lincoln, President and CEO of the CVB, served as the first CVB panelist. Guided by Lincoln's leader- ship and Jason Dunn's involvement as a mem- ber of the national board and co-chair of the event, the Cincinnati CVB's impact and engagement is heralded across the country. Last year, the CVB increased its commitment to diversity with the creation of Vibe Cincinnati, a multicultural platform focused on connect- ing visitors of all backgrounds to the Cincinnati region. Through this plat- form, the CVB has begun work on the Cincinnati USA Institute for Hospitality Leadership, an educational initiative that will propel growth of a more qualified, diverse workforce in the hospitality industry through JASON DUNN Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Community Development TAMARA WHITING Director of Multicultural Sales KARIUKI EPPS National Manager of Multicultural Sales ALEXIS THOMAS Multicultural and Community Development Coordinator THE NEW MULTICULTURAL SALES AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM INCLUDES: