Multicultural Travel News – February is Black History Month

Multicultural Travel News
February is Black History Month

News Briefs:
AmaWaterways Offers Four Soulful Experience Sailings in 2025: Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia
Black History Month in the Richmond Region
Explore Centuries of Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast

AmaWaterways Offers Four Soulful Experience Sailings in 2025: Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia
Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honor Black history and heritage. Secrets of Egypt & The Nile The 11-night immersive sailing, departing from Cairo on May 14, 2025, offers guests an exceptional journey of discovery and is aptly named Secrets of Egypt & The Nile. The program begins with three nights in the vibrant city of Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum (featuring King Tut’s treasures), the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, and a visit to a Nubian village where the people who live there carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights. Colors of Provence France has a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and AmaWaterways’ 10-night Colors of Provence opens the doors to much of it. The cruise on the award-winning AmaKristina departs August 21, 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They also partake in an evening wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and insights into the Code Noir (the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789). Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. Enticing Douro Lisbon has a rich history of African and Black presence. The city was home to a significant population of free Africans, played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade, and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. AmaWaterways’ 10-night Enticing Douro (departing November 14, 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-passenger AmaSintra. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills”; and the Royal Sintra – Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence. Along the journey, guests are treated to exclusive Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas. Magic of Colombia Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of AmaWaterways’ seven-night Magic of Colombia sailing on the Magdalena River. Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this October 18, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the rich history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Every day is an education of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval in Barranquilla (AmaWaterways exclusive). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar offer tours of stilt houses, jazz street performances, exploration of Cienága Pijiño (known for its diverse bird life), and a tour of Getsemaní – a colorful neighborhood in Cartagena, known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com.

Black History Month in the Richmond Region
For travelers seeking a place with profound historical significance in African American heritage, the Richmond Region (RVA) stands out as a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can experience Black history and culture firsthand, from walking tours to museums and monuments honoring the contributions of Black Virginians. The Richmond Region is home to national landmark sites like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia—one of the first sites added to UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory—and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” There’s also the Trail of Enslaved Africans, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument, and the Slavery Reconciliation Statue, all of which provide a sobering yet essential look at the region’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Thanks to community programs like BLK RVA, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in August 2024, the Richmond Region is more dedicated than ever to showcasing the people, places and spaces that highlight the Black experience in the Richmond Region. BLK RVA’s success is a testament to the authenticity and growth of the region’s Black culture. For more information on attractions and events in the Richmond Region this February, head to VisitBLKRVA.com or VisitRichmondVA.com.

Explore Centuries of Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast
From founding settlers to America’s first community of freed slaves to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans have played a significant part in the multi-cultural heritage of Florida’s Historic Coast. The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center tell the history of African Americans in St. Augustine. Walk the Freedom Trail to see significant sites related to the struggle for Civil Rights, or use the Black History App to create an immersive experience. A must-see stop is the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, housed in the historic Excelsior School Building, which served as the county’s first public Black high school. The museum maps out the long and storied past of African Americans in St. Augustine. Take a powerful journey into the past with the “I Lived Here, As Well: Going Home” Tour at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This tour reveals the untold stories of a male and a female enslaved person, offering a first-person perspective of the harsh conditions of slavery and life after freedom. Tours are offered February 6-March 1. “Where We Stand” is an exhibit by photographic artist Lenny Foster. It is inspired by his move to St. Augustine and the historic neighborhood of Lincolnville. The series explores the history of African Americans, drawing upon the history and culture he discovered in the historically Black neighborhood. The evocative show is presented at the First Coast Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach from February 6-March 27. The 4th Annual Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series which honors and celebrates the history and cultural significance of Fort Mose took place February 6- 8 and 14-16 at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Featured performers included Snarky Puppy, Kem, Tower of Power, Dinner Party, Macy Gray, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Sierra Green and The Giants. At Fort Mose Historic State Park, travel back in time to 1738 to a dangerous world where men, women, and children flee enslavement on a British plantation toward the free Black settlement Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose on St. Augustine’s northernmost border. Flight to Freedom took place February 20-22 and tells the brave story of those who risked it all in search of freedom, laying the groundwork for the original Underground Railroad that ran south to Spanish Florida. “Fort Mose 1738” Fashion Pop Up, a display of bold, contemporary textiles and clothing created by artisans in Accra, Ghana connects individuals to their heritage by highlighting African prints and a kaleidoscope of colors. The exhibit will be on display at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery through March 7. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum presented History in the Shadow of the Tower: Discovery of Fort Mose on February 20. It featured Dr. Lori Lee, Flagler College, and Chuck Meide, Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP), who discussed key archaeological findings from Fort Mose that highlight the site’s cultural and historical significance. For more information, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

To submit a press release for consideration for coverage (no charge) in Multicultural Travel News and Multicultural Entertainment News, send by email to editor Lisa Skriloff at lisa@multicultural.com.

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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AmaWaterways Offers Four Soulful Experience Sailing in 2025: Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia

Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honor Black history and heritage. Secrets of Egypt & The Nile The 11-night immersive sailing, departing from Cairo on May 14, 2025, offers guests an exceptional journey of discovery and is aptly named Secrets of Egypt & The Nile. The program begins with three nights in the vibrant city of Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum (featuring King Tut’s treasures), the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, and a visit to a Nubian village where the people who live there carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights. Colors of Provence France has a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and AmaWaterways’ 10-night Colors of Provence opens the doors to much of it. The cruise on the award-winning AmaKristina departs August 21, 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They also partake in an evening wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and insights into the Code Noir (the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789). Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. Enticing Douro Lisbon has a rich history of African and Black presence. The city was home to a significant population of free Africans, played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade, and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. AmaWaterways’ 10-night Enticing Douro (departing November 14, 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-passenger AmaSintra. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills”; and the Royal Sintra – Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence. Along the journey, guests are treated to exclusive Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas. Magic of Colombia Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of AmaWaterways’ seven-night Magic of Colombia sailing on the Magdalena River. Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this October 18, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the rich history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Every day is an education of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval in Barranquilla (AmaWaterways exclusive). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar offer tours of stilt houses, jazz street performances, exploration of Cienága Pijiño (known for its diverse bird life), and a tour of Getsemaní – a colorful neighborhood in Cartagena, known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com.

Jewish Heritage Travel in Poland Oct 2-11, 2023

Over the last several years, Jewish Life Television Host Brad Pomerance has headlined the network’s global travel series Air Land & Sea, where the JLTV team voyages around the world to uncover the trials and tribulations of the Jewish people near and far. Brad is now hosting a ten-day journey to Poland in October 2023 which will include visits to Krakow, Lodz, Lublin, and Warsaw, and one of Brad’s ancestral hometowns, Chmielnik. Noted Polish Historian Dr. Tomasz Cebulski, a highly-respected expert in the history of Polish Jewry, will join Brad during the entire voyage. Travelers will not only discover the history of the Jews of Poland, but will meet Polish Jews that are helping to revitalize Polish Jewry today. Participants will meet members of Krakow’s Jewish community who are supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced after last year’s Russian invasion. Brad invites you to consider joining him on this trip. For more information visit Jewish Heritage Travel in Poland – http://jltv.jhtravel.org.

Multicultural Travel News – News from AmaWaterways, Mexico, Croatia, Argentina, Norway and Jacksonville

Multicultural Travel News – News from AmaWaterways, Mexico, Croatia, Argentina, Norway and Jacksonville

News Briefs:

AmaWaterways Announced New 2024 Dates for ‘Soulful Epicurean Experience’ Cruises
A Workcation in Mexico for Women to Who Want a Career Change
Women’s Day Promotions in CroatiaWine Holiday from Argentina’s First Female Winemaker
Tracing Norway’s Super Women
Visit Jacksonville Becomes First Autism-Certified Destination Marketing Organization In Florida

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AmaWaterways Announced New 2024 Dates for ‘Soulful Epicurean Experience’ Cruises

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways announced three new opportunities for guests to celebrate the African and Black diaspora on the rivers in 2024. Due to the overwhelming demand for the first-ever Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhône River in France embarking August 24, 2023, two new June departure dates have been announced for that itinerary. The special journeysinclude the Colors of Provence cruise plus three nights in Paris. Also added for 2024 is a Soulful Epicurean Experience in Egypt onSecrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary starting in Cairo on May 17, 2024. The unique experiences available during the cruise and land packages invite travelers to discover and celebrate important aspects of Black history and culture unique to each country. “We are fortunate to work with many travel advisors in the Black community who advised and encouraged us to develop these special interest cruises celebrating Black history and culture,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “As our first Soulful Epicurean Experience cruise in France scheduled for 2023 sold out almost immediately, we are proud to give our global family additional opportunities in 2024 to celebrate and appreciate the diverse Black heritage found in France and Egypt.” For the first time ever, AmaWaterways’ is pairing its Soulful Epicurean Experience with its fascinating 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile river cruise and land package starting in Cairo on May 17, 2024. In addition to the seven-night river cruise onboard the splendid 72-passenger AmaDahlia, guests will enjoy three nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise in Cairo. The seven-night river cruise onboard AmaDahlia sails roundtrip from Luxor visiting Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Qena and includes daily immersive tours and onboard experiences that shine light on the country’s vast African history and its regional delicacies. Guests also have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit a Nubian Village and meet the wonderful people who continue to carry the traditions of their ancestors that once ruled Egypt. AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provenceriver cruise itinerary is set to welcome guests again in 2024 for the Soulful Epicurean Experience which will start or end (depending on the departure date) with a three-night land package in Paris, where many famous Black artists, writers and entertainers made history. While exploring the City of Light, travelers will dive deep into Black culture during a specially curated Josephine Baker excursion and a “Black History of Paris” city tour before embarking on the award-winning AmaKristina for an incredible seven-night journey through the South of France. Both 2024 Soulful Epicurean Experience sailings offer authentic experiences and excursions that celebrate Black history and heritage. On top of the warm, personalized onboard service and locally influenced dining for which AmaWaterways is known, guests can look forward to enjoying nightly entertainment alongside like-minded guests who share a passion for discovering Black culture.  For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

Women’s Day Promotions in Croatia

At Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the whole month of March is dedicated to women. Included in the offer is a two night stay for two people in a superior room with a balcony overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, complimentary daily breakfast, access to the hotels’ wellness and spa facilities, complimentary wi-fi, and free parking. To highlight and celebrate International Women’s Day, ladies are also given the choice of one complimentary service during their stay. Options include a bottle of wine upon arrival and daily breakfast serviced in the privacy of one’s room, spa voucher at the onsite Energy Clinic Wellness & Spa, or a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town. The ancient port city of Dubrovnik is a dream destination in March due to its privileged climate, cultural heritage as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, crystal blue sea and beautiful coastline – all without the summer crowds. The city is known for its rich history and culture, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. For more information, visit https://www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/.

Tracing Norway’s Super Women

Sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway invites travelers to explore Norway from a gender equality perspective with the launch of their new journey: Tracing Norway’s Super Women. Norway is one of the world’s most gender equal countries, and as travel curators, Up Norway is constantly striving to ensure that equality remains clearly visible on the map. This curated journey offers a historical and geographical adventure that introduces travelers to remarkable stories ranging from the 17th century witch trials in wild Varanger to female empowerment today in a whiskey distillery on the remote island of Fedje. Highlights throughout the 10 day journey (available year round) include Scandinavia’s only Women’s Museum; witchcraft and wildlife at the Steilneset Memorial; king crab fishing with storytelling about strong female characters who historically have served the same roles as men; 100% female-owned Feddie Ocean Distillery; Ekeberg Sculpture Park, acclaimed as one of the world’s top five sculpture parks which features depictions of women and work by female artists; and more. Accommodations also focus on the country’s leading females, including the exquisitely restored boutique hotel Camilla’s House. For more information, visit https://upnorway.com/journeys/tracing-norways-super-women.

AmaWaterways Introduced ‘Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River,’ a Special Journey Celebrating Black History and Culture

Leading river cruise line AmaWaterways announced the debut of A Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River, a unique, first-ever sailing experience paired with its Colors of Provence river cruise. In addition, AmaWaterways is offering a new, specially curated 3-night post-cruise land package in Paris, which commemorates the city’s Black history, heritage and culture. “Following ongoing dialogue between the AmaWaterways leadership team and our valued travel advisor partners in recent years, we identified significant demand for a curated experience that connects Black travelers both to each other and to international destinations rich with African-American history,” said Jazzmine Douse, director of national accounts at AmaWaterways and member of Northstar Travel Group’s Black Advisory Board. “We believe our Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of our global family.” Setting sail on August 24, 2023 from Arles to Lyon, AmaWaterways’ special 7-night Colors of Provence itinerary invites guests to board the award-winning AmaKristina and begin their journey by exploring the cultural history of Marseille. A Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River also takes guests through the beauty of the South of France along the Rhône River to Lyon. The river cruise and land experience concludes in Paris, where many Black artists, writers and entertainers have made history. Unique to this new experience, guests will enjoy guided tours showcasing the region’s jazz, food and wine as well as live musical performances on board and ashore. Included in the package and exclusive to this departure is an excursion honoring Josephine Baker, the first Black woman inducted into France’s Pantheon mausoleum, and a “Black History of Paris” city tour, as well as a 3-night stay at a luxury hotel in the City of Light. On board the elegant AmaKristina, guests can look forward to the warm, personalized onboard service and locally influenced included fine dining for which AmaWaterways is known. The ship also boasts spacious staterooms with AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies, a Sun Deck walking track, a swim-up bar, a Main Lounge and complimentary bicycles. “As we continue to innovate our offerings, we remain focused on providing vacation experiences that are just as diverse as our loyal family of guests,” added Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “With so much positive attention around cultural awareness in light of Juneteenth, this was the ideal time to launch our Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River cruise, and we look forward to shining a light on the incredible Black history that exists along the beautiful rivers we sail through around the world.” Travelers with pent-up wanderlust who are eager to plan their next vacation can secure this immersive experience by September 30, 2022 to take advantage of AmaWaterways’ special introductory package pricing offer. For the most up-to-date information, visit AmaWaterways.com/Soulful.

Off the Map Travel Introduces a Sami Cultural Immersion and Adventure Experience in Swedish Lapland With a Dash of Luxury

The new Sápmi Experience is an Arctic adventure that offers an immersion into the lifestyles of northern Sweden’s indigenous Sami people with glamping in a Sami lavvu (teepee), newly built and upgraded with the comfort of a luxury cabin. The three-night experience takes place in the Sápmi Nature Camp on the Sjavnja nature reserve in Laponia, a living culture and nature World Heritage Site. The new program, exclusively offered by Off the Map Travel, launches January 2022 and is available through May 2022. Based on timing, guests will have the opportunity to experience either the area’s Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun. Participants will join with the Sami to learn hands-on cooking, reindeer herding, fishing and foraging for berries and herbs. They can also join a wildlife safari to spot moose and don traditional wooden skis for a Sami-guided ski tour with a special Swedish fikaexperience around a bonfire on the ice of a frozen river. The upgraded lavvus attend to the needs of today’s traveler with a solid internal structure, allowing for increased coziness and warmth while maintaining the design, sustainability and culture characteristic of the region and the Sami. Each lavvu sleeps two people and has a double bed, stove, cozy furnishings and en suite bathroom. “This new travel experience offers a chance to get away from it all to experience another world and another culture while not compromising comfort or sustainability,” said Jonny Cooper, Off the Map Travel, designer of the experience. “It’s also perfect for socially distanced travel,” he added. The new accommodation has been created by the founders of the Sápmi Nature Camp in Swedish Lapland whose mission is to create sustainable, personal Sami experiences that celebrate the native Lapland culture, nature and wellness. For more information visit https://www.offthemap.travel/the-sapmi-experience/, call +44 (0) 800 566 8901 or email info@offthemap.travel.