Honoring Black History Month with Insights from Four Travel Pros

I couldn't let February go by without honoring Black History Month within the travel industry, by featuring four incredible Black Travel Advisors.

Each advisor shared their stories about how their identities have shaped their businesses and the industry at large.

Their stories dug deep on the importance of representation, community, and creating inclusive spaces, especially in luxury travel.

Owning Your Value as a Travel Professional

As travel advisors, you may struggle to articulate your worth and charge appropriately for your expertise.

When you know your value, you attract the right clients and opportunities rather than trying to over-deliver just to prove yourself.

Your expertise is currency in this industry, and it's essential to recognize that as you build your business.

Action Steps:

1. Start tracking the hours you spend on each booking to understand the real value of your time
2. Create a client-facing document that clearly outlines your expertise, connections, and the value you bring beyond basic booking services
3. Practice your value proposition until you can confidently explain why your fees are worth every penny

Choosing the Right Host Agency Beyond Cost

We've learned that selecting a host agency should never be just about finding the lowest monthly fee.

The right host needs to align with your business goals, values, and provide the specific support you need to thrive in your unique travel niche.

Making this decision thoughtfully can dramatically impact your growth trajectory.

Action Steps:

1. Research potential host agencies through resources like Host Agency Reviews to compare offerings beyond commission splits
2. Identify your non-negotiables in terms of support, technology, and community before making your selection
3. Schedule interviews with current advisors at your top three host agency choices to get honest feedback about their experiences

Creating Inclusive Luxury Travel Experiences

Luxury travel has historically lacked diverse representation, and there's a powerful opportunity to change that narrative.

By curating high-end experiences that are inclusive and culturally rich, you can show that luxury spaces belong to everyone while providing exceptional service that honors your clients' unique perspectives.

Action Steps:

* Research and partner with suppliers who have demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

* Highlight Black-owned and diverse businesses, hotels, and experiences in your destination recommendations

* Listen carefully to client concerns about safety and inclusivity to address them proactively in your planning

Building Community Through Collaborative Projects

Coming together with other travel advisors who share similar backgrounds or perspectives creates powerful opportunities for education and growth.

Collaborative projects like podcasts, YouTube channels, or group events allow us to amplify diverse voices while creating valuable resources for travelers and professionals alike.

Action Steps:

1. Identify 2-3 travel advisors with complementary niches who might be interested in a joint project
2. Brainstorm educational content that draws from your shared and different experiences in the industry
3. Create a simple content calendar for your collaboration with clear responsibilities for each participant

Prioritizing Safety for Diverse Travelers

Understanding the unique safety concerns that travelers from different backgrounds face is important for providing exceptional service.

Resources like Green Book Global help identify areas that may present challenges for Black travelers, allowing for more informed and thoughtful itinerary planning.

Action Steps:

1. Familiarize yourself with resources like Green Book Global that provide safety information for diverse travelers
2. Create pre-trip briefings for clients that include relevant cultural and safety information specific to their needs
3. Build relationships with local guides and service providers who can provide insider knowledge about inclusive experiences

HUGE thanks goes out to Courtnie Nichols , Nicole Conley , Vernita Patterson , and Catherine Stevens for sharing your wisdom and experiences so generously.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player to hear their stories firsthand.

Their perspectives offer valuable lessons for any travel professional looking to create more inclusive, successful businesses.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Resources

Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast

Association of Black Travel Professionals

IGLTA