Multicultural Travel News – News from St. Augustine, NYC, Catalonia, Albuquerque, Maui, MMGY Global, Las Vegas and Topeka
News Briefs:
- St. Augustine to Celebrate Rich African American History During Black History Month
- NYC & Company Launched New Content Hub Highlighting Asian Culture and Experiences Across New York City
- To Barcelona and Beyond, Catalonia Welcomes Travelers With New Experiences
- How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Albuquerque
- Celebrate the Holidays With the Spirit of Aloha
- New-York Historical Society to Expand Its Home on Central Park West For Itself and For The American LGBTQ+ Museum
- U.S. Hispanic Travelers Spent $113.9 Billion on Domestic Travel According to Vistas Latinas: A Landmark Study on U.S. Travelers of Hispanic Descent
- The Neon Museum Las Vegas Launches Guided Tours in Spanish
- TOPEKA: Latinx community fuels growing population
News Briefs
St. Augustine to Celebrate Rich African American History During Black History Month
St. Augustine, the birthplace of African American history, will host a series of culturally enriching and educational events to celebrate Black History Month. The inaugural Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series will be held at the site of the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States. St. Augustine’s other historic sites will tell important stories about the enslaved and freed Black Americans who spent time in the city, through special tours, making the city the ideal destination this February. Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series, Feb. 11-25, 2022 – Over three weekends, world-class jazz and blues artists will perform at Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally sanctioned, free African settlement in what is now the United States. The event will honor both the rich history of American music and the legacy of the historic site that is a National Historic Landmark and a precursor site of the National Underground Railroad Network. Proceeds from this event will support the construction of an on-site fort representation and the development of interpretive resources. For more information, visit discoverfortmose.com; “I Lived Here, As Well” Tours at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, Feb. 1-28 – The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, a 220+-year-old boarding house, will host tours highlighting the experience of the African-descended people who were enslaved or working as servants at this house. The “I Lived Here, As Well” tours will be told by the people who may have spent their entire lives at the boarding house, yet never used the front door. For more information, visit www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/ilhaw; Tours of the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum with Historian David Nolan, Feb. 12, 19 & 26 – Local historian David Nolan will be conducting limited tours of the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum, the first civil rights museum in Florida, on select dates. Tours are free, but donations are welcomed. RSVPs are required and should be made by emailing info@historiccoastculture.com; Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center is an African American history museum located in the Lincolnville neighborhood of Saint Augustine. The neighborhood, spanning 45 blocks on the southwest peninsula of St. Augustine, was established by freedmen after the Civil War. Lincolnville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and played a major role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The museum is housed in the historic Excelsior School Building, which served as the first public Black high school in St. Johns County in 1925. For more information, visit www.lincolnvillemuseum.org; The ACCORD Freedom Trail is a self-guided walking tour made up of 31 historic civil rights markers throughout the community that tell the story of how St. Augustine became the final thrust for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information, visit www.accordfreedomtrail.org. For more information about Black history in St. Augustine, visit the St. Johns Cultural Council’s website www.historiccoastculture.com.
NYC & Company Launched New Content Hub Highlighting Asian Culture and Experiences Across New York City
NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, launched a new centralized and permanent resource for locals and visitors, The Asian Experience in NYC, available at nycgo.com/TheAsianExperience. Continuing the organization’s mission to highlight and celebrate the culturally diverse communities throughout the five boroughs, the new content hub includes refreshed and new neighborhood and culture guides, videos, interviews, articles, roundups of Asian-owned businesses and more, and will be updated on an ongoing basis. The Asian Experience in NYC features new and recently added content spanning the vibrant Asian communities in the City, including Koreatown, Chinatown, Sunset Park and Flushing neighborhood guides and itineraries; a guide to Malaysian culture in New York City; special interviews with Asian community leaders, including Moonlynn Tsai and Yin Chang (co-founders of Heart of Dinner); and more. The Asian Experience in NYC also spotlights annual content, including how to Celebrate Lunar New Year—a new video highlighting The Asian Experience in NYC will launch during Lunar New Year 2022—and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; as well as various guides to support the City’s Asian community, including Asian-Owned Restaurants, including all-you-can-eat spots Laojie Hotpot, Akino and Picnic Garden, among others, and Asian-Owned Shops, like Pearl River Mart, Imperial Ballroom and more. The new content hub also includes Support for the Asian Community in NYC and Beyond. Chinatown and Flushing were among the first neighborhoods to be impacted by the pandemic, and since then, NYC & Company has stood in solidarity with the Asian community and created this guide to help actively uplift and support these communities. This guide shares links to organizations such as Stop Asian Hate, Stop AAPI Hate, Organizations Against Asian Hate and more, to donate and learn about anti-Asian violence, as well as educational resources on ways to stop anti-Asian violence while traveling and in local communities. New content and information will be added on a regular, ongoing basis at nycgo.com/TheAsianExperience.
To Barcelona and Beyond, Catalonia Welcomes Travelers With New Experiences
With new experiences and expanded air service, Catalonia is opening its arms to U.S. travelers by offering enticing and inspiring ways to visit the region, from its lively capital, Barcelona, and beyond. Among the new offerings for travelers is The Grand Tour of Catalonia, a website that provides a framework for travelers to customize a visit to the region. Covering close to 1300 miles (or 2000km) along suggested scenic routes, the Grand Tour of Catalonia details the diverse offerings of the region in and beyond the gateway of Barcelona to coastal vineyards, mountain ranges, the beach resorts of Costa Brava, picturesque small towns, ancient monasteries, Roman-era ruins, and, of course, world-famous Cava producers. Travelers who are looking for immersive experiences can choose Grand Tour of Catalonia itineraries based on suggested routes in each region or by interest: vineyards, history, outdoor activities, art, and more. The site includes not-to-be-missed experiences, such as Solsonès in central Catalonia known for its outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking among the forests, fields, lakes, and mountains; the Cistercian Lands of the great monasteries of the region, including the Royal Monastery of Poblet, resting place of several Catalan kings; the Castell de Gardeny in Lleida which housed the Templar soldiers in the 12th century; following the Dalí Triangle from his home town of Figueres to the Dalí Theater and Museum, and the azure waters and pristine beaches of the Costa Brava, among many other highlights and detours. The Grand Tour of Catalonia routes and highlights can be found at grandtour.catalunya.com, along with each section detailed in PDFs that can be easily downloaded to help with vacation planning. Because of the breadth and depth of experiences highlighted, the Grand Tour itineraries are ideal for a variety of travelers, from couples to families, wine and food connoisseurs to adventurers and lovers of history and natural wonders. Each route has been meticulously planned along the most scenic roads to allow travelers to detour into small towns and villages. For more information about travel to and within Catalonia visit www.catalunya.com.
How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Albuquerque
Native Americans have inhabited the region now known as New Mexico for thousands of years, and their presence is felt throughout the state. This culture is reflected in nearly every aspect of life within Albuquerque – from the city’s art and architecture to its festivals and culinary traditions. This influence extends into the present day among New Mexico’s 23 Native American pueblos, tribes and nations, ensuring this way of life continues to endure. Locals and visitors can immerse themselves in Albuquerque’s indigenous culture through the following: Learn about the Pueblo people at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and dine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen. Explore ancient carvings at Petroglyph National Monument. Shop for Native American art and jewelry at Bien Mur Indian Market Center, Palms Trading Co., the Indian Pueblo Store and many other galleries and stores throughout the city. Experience murals by Native American artists. Enjoy a beer at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., the first brewery in the country owned by Native American women. Stay at Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque’s newest luxury hotel, built with inspiration from the ancient pueblo culture of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. To learn more or plan your trip to Albuquerque visit www.visitalbuquerque.org.
Celebrate the Holidays With the Spirit of Aloha
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua experience is rooted in Hawaiian culture and offers its guests a myriad of packages to enhance their trip. For example, guests can take a guided hike at Pu’u Kukiu Watershed that focuses on the unique natural communities followed by an interactive Q&A session with the tour guide. During the holiday season, guests can also participate in cultural activities such as Lei making with flowers sourced locally and Hula lessons. These activities not only offer guests a unique Hawaiian experience, but also teaches guests about the traditions and culture. For more information, visit https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kapalua-maui/hotel-overview/holiday-season.
New-York Historical Society to Expand Its Home on Central Park West For Itself and For The American LGBTQ+ Museum
Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society, announced that the institution will expand its building on Central Park West, adding more than 70,000 square feet of program space for itself and for The American LGBTQ+ Museum, New York’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture, which will make its permanent home at New-York Historical. The design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, which was unanimously approved and highly praised by the Landmarks Preservation Commission for its respect for the past and solicitation of community input, will provide New-York Historical with additional classrooms, galleries, collections study areas, and a state-of-the-art compact storage facility for the institution’s renowned Patricia D. Klingenstein Library. While the new building is under construction, The American LGBTQ+ Museum will partner with New-York Historical to develop programming in the Museum’s existing building and outdoor spaces, bringing the voices, perspectives, actions, and achievements of this community to the foreground for hundreds of thousands of annual visitors and New York City schoolchildren. Upon completion, The American LGBTQ+ Museum will occupy the entirety of the expansion’s fourth floor and encompass two galleries, access to the roof garden, and areas for offices and storage. The addition of onsite classrooms will enable a dramatic expansion of New-York Historical’s service to tens of thousands of New York City public school students. These classrooms will serve the Academy for American Democracy program, an educational initiative for New York’s sixth-grade students that is transforming the way history and civics are taught in middle school. New galleries and collections study areas will host the graduate students from New-York Historical’s Master of Arts in Museum Studies program, launched in 2019 through a partnership with CUNY’s School of Professional Studies. The program aims to diversify New York City’s cultural workforce, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and preparation to excel as professionals in the museum community. The collections of the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library include many unique items available at no other library in the world, among them rare copies of our nation’s foundational documents. The Library’s two original storage stacks, dating from 1904 and 1937, are outmoded, and the majority of the collection has been moved offsite as a precaution. Construction of new, state-of-the-art compact storage will allow for the rehousing of a substantial part of the collection at New-York Historical’s Central Park West home, making materials readily accessible to Library users. New-York Historical expects to undertake the expansion as a phased project. The first phase will begin in summer 2022 and will focus on the below-grade library stacks. A second phase will construct galleries, classrooms, and other spaces once target funding is achieved. To learn more, visit thelgbtqplusmuseum.org.
U.S. Hispanic Travelers Spent $113.9 Billion on Domestic Travel According to Vistas Latinas: A Landmark Study on U.S. Travelers of Hispanic Descent
MMGY Global recently released the key findings from a new report, Vistas Latinas: A Landmark Study on U.S. Travelers of Hispanic Descent. This first-of-its-kind study was created by MMGY Travel Intelligence in collaboration with nonprofit Travel Unity to identify the needs, concerns and behaviors of U.S. Hispanic travelers. The Vistas Latinas study was created to provide a better understanding of the diverse and growing Hispanic population in the U.S., which according to the 2020 Census is now 62.1 million strong. This is MMGY Global’s second study of groups underrepresented in the travel industry, the first being The Black Traveler: Insights, Priorities and Opportunities. The comprehensive report, Vistas Latinas: A Landmark Study on U.S. Travelers of Hispanic Descent, whose name means Latin viewpoints, reveals the importance Hispanics place on representation in travel marketing and the power of travel to connect with family and culture. Of those surveyed for Vistas Latinas – most said they were born in the United States (83%) and a majority indicated their parents were also born in the U.S. Half of respondents indicated their family originated from Mexico, while a quarter of respondents surveyed said they were of Caribbean heritage (Puerto Rican, Dominican or Cuban). Some key findings from Vistas Latinas indicate that the vast majority (80%) of Hispanic travelers prefer to identify as Hispanic, while 25% prefer Latino/Latina and 3% prefer the term Latinx (respondents could choose more than one preferred term) and Hispanic travelers are predominantly consuming all forms of media in English. In addition, U.S. Hispanic travelers spent $113.9 billion on domestic leisure travel in 2019, accounting for 13% of all domestic leisure travel that year. Furthermore, 57% agreed they are more likely to visit a destination that embraces Hispanic cultures and celebrates Hispanic business and cultural contributions. While there is great diversity among Hispanics, Vistas Latinas has identified some commonalities that point to strong connections between family, travel and culture. The overwhelming majority of Hispanics (93%) travel with their family. Of that percentage, 59% indicated they travel with immediate family, 30% with parents and 28% with adult siblings. There is a strong desire to experience other Latino cultures and destinations, with 71% saying they would like to do so even if it is not where their family originated from. Six in 10 Hispanic travelers want to learn more about their own origin and history. The top three domestic destinations for Hispanic overnight travelers are California (21%), Texas (15%) and Florida (14%). This correlates to the three states with the highest number of Hispanic residents. Most Hispanic travelers (85%) have visited the country/territory of their family heritage, with 15% returning more than once a year and 22% returning yearly. MMGY Global and its supporting sponsors – Destination Cleveland, Discover Puerto Rico, Hilton, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, NYC & Company, Travel Oregon and Tripadvisor – will donate 100% of total profits from sales of the report to non-profit study partner Travel Unity. Travel Unity’s mission is to make the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Watch Webinar Premiere at https://www.mmgyintel.com/north-american-services/vistas-latinas-landmark-study-us-travelers-hispanic-descent. For more information, visit https://www.mmgyintel.com and https://travelunity.org.
The Neon Museum Las Vegas Launches Guided Tours in Spanish
The Neon Museum has launched guided tours of the Neon Boneyard every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30p.m. beginning Oct. 1. The tours are being introduced for Hispanic Heritage month and will become a permanent offering. “The Neon Museum has an amazing collection that showcases both the art and history of Las Vegas, and we want to provide an experience that meets the needs of our diverse audience,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. “With Hispanic Heritage Month upon us, we believe this is the perfect time to debut our guided tours in Spanish. This is just the beginning of new programming targeted to diverse audiences that we plan to debut later this year. We are excited to bring to life the magic of The Neon Museum for our Spanish-speaking guests.” Berger added that future scheduling will be based on customer demand. Private tours in Spanish will also be available and can be arranged through the Museum. The guided tours will be conducted by fluent Spanish speaking Museum Interpreters and will last 45 minutes, just like the English language tours. Guided tour tickets are $28 per person ($24 for Southern Nevada residents). Tickets can be purchased online at: https://secure.neonmuseum.org/events, and the Spanish speaking tour should be specifically selected when tickets are purchased online. Spanish and bilingual videos about the new Spanish tours available for download here.ABOUT THE NEON MUSEUM:
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. It has been ranked No. 1 in Las Vegas Weekly’s list of “Twenty Greatest Attractions in Las Vegas History,” one of “Sin City’s Best Retro Sites” by MSN, “No. 1 Las Vegas Museum Sure to Entertain and Educate” by USA Today’s 10best.com, “One of the Top 10 Coolest Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do” by Forbes.com, one of the “Top 10 Historic Spots in Las Vegas” by Vegas.com; one of “15 Most Fascinating Museums in the U.S.” by VacationIdea.com; and earns a consistent 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor. On its 2.27-acre campus, The Neon Museum has an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard (“boneyard” is traditionally the name for an area where items no longer in use are stored); the North Gallery, home to the immersive audiovisual experience “Brilliant!” which uses technology to re-illuminate more than 40 non-operational signs; the Boulevard Gallery outdoor exhibit and event space; and its visitors’ center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also includes nine restored signs installed as public art in downtown Las Vegas. Public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation represent a selection of the museum’s ongoing projects. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and Twitter and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.
TOPEKA: Latinx community fuels growing population
Topeka, Kansas, and the surrounding Shawnee County reached a historic high population in 2020. New Census numbers reveal that those who identify as Hispanic or Latino grew by nearly 24%, Topeka attracted approximately 2,000 new international immigrants and poverty rates in Topeka’s historically Hispanic neighborhoods were cut nearly in half. The city – led by Latina Mayor Michelle De La Isla – has seen immigrants drive business creation, fuel innovation and strengthen its middle class. Although Latinx people comprise only 15% of the city, 40% of Topeka’s City Council is made up of Hispanic individuals, including Mayor De La Isla and Deputy Mayor Mike Padilla. El Centro de Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program that promotes equality for the Hispanic community, supports Topeka’s Hispanic-owned businesses. The response to the Covid-19 crisis also included the launch of ApoyarTopeka.com, a Spanish-language resource for businesses and residents. Washburn Tech East, a $6M extension campus of Washburn University, opened in 2019 to provide the region’s Hispanic community with access to career training, ESL classes and GED support. Finally, Hispanic heritage is immersed throughout happenings in Topeka. The East 6th business district includes 30 vibrant Spanish-language restaurants, retailers and bars. Topeka CVB is among the first Midwestern cities to make its visitor’s guide available in Spanish, detailing events like Fiesta Mexicana, one of the Midwest’s largest Mexican heritage festivals. For more information, visit https://www.topekapartnership.com/.
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About This Newsletter
Multicultural Travel News newsletter (MTN) covers travel news of interest to ethnic and niche travelers and those who market to them. We write about destinations that interest multicultural travelers or have outreach campaigns to travelers of Hispanic, African American, Asian American and other cultural backgrounds; women; LGBT travelers and people with disabilities.
Multicultural Travel News is also written for leisure and business travelers looking for what to see and do and for marketing executives interested in ideas, best practices and the business case for targeting so-called “minority” travelers. We cover cities and countries, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and other travel marketers with a multicultural angle. Multicultural Travel News is written and edited by Lisa Skriloff.Multicultural Travel News is published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR). To view past editions click here.
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