The National Blacks in Travel and Tourism Collaborative (BTT) is excited to announce the first phase of the launch of the Black Tourism Talent Directory (BTTD). BTTD is a digital platform serving as the official matchmaker for Black talent in the travel and tourism industry.
Stephanie M. Jones, Founder, National Blacks in Travel and Tourism Collaborative says, “Our goal is to help create broader diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry by creating a one-stop online resource for DMOs, travel brands, associations, and media to connect with qualified Black industry talent worldwide. We no longer want to hear that Black talent is hard to find.”
BTTD is designed to level the playing field by showcasing and amplifying undiscovered Black travel and tourism businesses, professionals, and students. During Phase I of the launch, BTT is aggregating and vetting Black businesses, professionals, and students who will create profiles on the directory, so they can be matched with industry opportunities. "There is a very knowledgeable, expansive, and talented network of Black hospitality, travel and tourism professionals full of experiences and insight, the Black Tourism Talent Directory will amplify our talents and create new business opportunities,” says Shalene Dudley, Owner, Latitude Concierge Travels, Ltd based in Toronto, Ontario.
The online directory is also designed to assist DMOs, travel brands, associations, and media in achieving their DEI objectives and priorities. BTT’s goal is to create win-win partnerships and opportunities through the Black Tourism Talent Directory. These industry stakeholders can also create profiles and post supplier, employment, internship, speaker, and media opportunities.
BTT is offering this free resource to the industry and there is no cost for Black businesses, professionals, and students to create a basic profile. Thomas Dorsey, CEO & Digital Media Director, SoulofAmerica.com based in Torrance, CA states, “BTT is an essential network for the Black travel and tourism ecosystem of media and service providers to connect with industry business, media, and employment opportunities as well as to gain business knowledge, exchange ideas and best practices.”
To help support maintenance of the directory and talent enhancement trainings, there is a nominal annual membership fee of $499 for DMOs, trade associations, travel brands, and media to post opportunities while supporting BTT’s effort to introduce and connect Black talent to industry opportunities. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are also available as well.
Phase II of the Black Tourism Talent Directory will launch in April and include the following:
- A series of Talent Enhancement Trainings to ensure Black talent is tourism ready and prepared to take full advantage of industry opportunities
- A series of Virtual Matchmaking Roundtables to bring Black talent face-to-face with key Industry players looking to learn about and hire suppliers, employees, interns, and speakers
- A Black Tourism Talent Webinar Series amplifying new faces and voices in the industry
- A Weekly Black Talent Industry Alert e-newsletter showcasing Black talent looking to do business with the industry as well as highlighting opportunities the industry is seeking to fill.