Celebrate St. Augustine’s rich Spanish heritage through food, wine, music, and culture at the Spanish Food and Wine Festival. Foodies, history buffs, and oenophiles will be on cloud nine with the decadent offerings and historic atmosphere. When Pedro Menendez landed on the shores of Florida’s Historic Coast, he brought with him the 4,000-year-old Spanish tradition of winemaking. Spanish wine has long been revered worldwide; the Romans admired it so much they had vintages exported across their empire. Spain has more hectares of grape vines than any other country in the world and, with its high altitude, produces some of the freshest, most balanced wines. They pair perfectly with the rustic tapas found in the bodegas and tapería of Spain. Beginning Thursday, February 29 and continuing through Saturday, March 2, the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival offers a delicious look at the influence of Spain on food and wine at various locations at Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. The event features wine, spirits, tapas tastings, and luxurious dining prepared by the city’s finest culinary experts and served in the most beautiful, historic venues. Every year, the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival donates to local charities. Since the festival began, more than $380,000 has been donated. This year’s St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival supports the Flagler College Hospitality and Tourism Management program. The funds provide valuable academic scholarships, study-abroad experiences, and professional development opportunities. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Spanishwinefestival.com. To plan your culinary adventure on Florida’s Historic Coast, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

Poignant art installations, thought-provoking exhibits, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights await travelers to the Richmond Region during Black History Month. With its deep-rooted Black history and flourishing Black culture, the Richmond Region is the ultimate destination to commemorate and celebrate the African American experience in unique, meaningful ways this February and throughout the year. The comprehensive resource to plan a trip and catch a vibe in the Richmond Region is BLK RVA, an initiative of Richmond Region Tourism created to highlight the area’s Black businesses, events, and attractions. BLK RVA is now entering its fifth year and recently garnered the attention of Travel Noire, a leading digital publication devoted to Black travelers. FEATURED EXPERIENCES: Dawoud Bey: Elegy | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Now through February 25; Sculpting History: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth | The Valentine, Opening January 25; The Kemetic Collection | Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society, Opening February 2; Kick-Off Celebration | Virginia State University Gateway & Event Center, February 3; Visions of Progress | Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Opening February 6; Black History Month Vendor Fair | Beulah Recreation Center, February 17; The Impending Crisis | American Civil War Museum, Opening February 17; Black History Month Programming | Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Various Dates in February; ART & MUSIC Mending Walls Murals: Discover stunning street art celebrating Black heroes and stories throughout the city of Richmond; Patrice Renee Washington, Tendril: View this solo exhibition at the Institute for Contemporary Art beginning February 16; The Tin Pan: Enjoy performances from several Black musicians at this intimate dinner theater. February’s schedule includes C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band; Oleta Adams; and Jason Webb & Phylicia Rae with special guest J. Staton; The Blues is Alright Tour: Experience a star-studded lineup of world-class Blues artists at Altria Theater; Artist Inspiration: Bisa Butler: Visit Bon Air Library and study the works of Bisa Butler, an award-winning African American textile artist known for her vibrant, larger-than-life quilted portraits. Create your own printed tote bag inspired by her work. HISTORY & CULTURE Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Continental Army Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution: In this session at LaPrade Library, attendees will discover the roles Black Virginia men had in the American Revolution – roles that are still often overlooked but undoubtedly helped the ideas of the Revolution to take root; Richmond Slave Trail: Walk in the footsteps of enslaved people on this self-guided tour through historic landmarks; Jackson Ward Walking Tour: Discover the history and culture of this vibrant African-American neighborhood with a self-guided tour, or get a group together and embark on a guided tour with Jackson Ward native and historian, Gary Flowers; Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site: Learn about the life and achievements of the first Black woman to found a bank in the United States; Emancipation and Freedom Monument: Visit Brown’s Island to view this meaningful and poignant public art installation. FOOD & DRINK Mama J’s: Richmond’s classic soul food staple in Historic Jackson Ward since 2009; Ruby Scoops: Sample all-natural, handcrafted ice cream and sorbets made by Rabia Kamara, winner of Food Network’s Clash of the Cones competition in 2021; Farm + Oak: The latest offering from Richmond entrepreneur and chef Mike Lindsey, Farm + Oak brings the delightful flavors of Lindsey’s first restaurant venture, Lillie Pearl, to the West End of Henrico County. For more information on these and other events and activities, visit: BLK RVA| Richmond Region Tourism | Black History Museum & Cultural Center of VA. For more information, visit VisitRichmondVA.com.

A year-long program between VisitAble and Richmond Region Tourism (RRT) is increasing disability awareness and inclusion at hospitality and tourism partners in the Greater Richmond area. The region’s tourism marketer engaged VisitAble, a startup based in Central Virginia, in 2022 to provide free disability inclusion and awareness education programs to local businesses and organizations. More than 425 hospitality employees have engaged in the training, which is continuing in 2024. The CDC estimates that about 61 million Americans have a disability. A recent study by the United States Department of Transportation found that people with disabilities make fewer trips away from home on average than people without disabilities. Positively changing the general public’s perspective on disabilities through increased awareness of best practices in accessibility and inclusion signals a community’s commitment to being welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. VisitAble is working to improve accessibility and disability inclusion by engaging employers, organizations, and institutions in its Advocate Certification program. The certification process includes training 80% of an organization’s existing staff with VisitAble’s disability inclusion and awareness training as well as making this training part of the onboarding process for new employees. Through the Richmond Region Tourism program, VisitAble has worked with numerous attraction partners in the area, including the Poe Museum, The Valentine, St. John’s Church, and Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown. Wonders Within Reach, a popular family blog focused on accessible adventures, named the Richmond Region its “Most Progressive Destination” in 2022 thanks to the collaboration with VisitAble. More information on accessible travel in the Richmond Region is available at visitrichmondva.com/plan/accessibility-richmond-va/.

Visit Native California Showcases Diverse Native Communities and Cultural Tourism Experiences

Earlier this year, the Visit Native California online hub was launched to showcase the Golden State’s diverse Native communities and cultural tourism experiences. Home to over 100 federally recognized tribes, California’s rich cultural heritage may be found at every turn. Listed below:

Exhibits

1. The Native American Garden at Villa Mira Monte pays honor to the Amah Mutsun peoples, who’ve inhabited Morgan Hill for more than 10,000 years. Villa Mira Monte is Morgan Hill’s “history park” featuring the Morgan Hill Museum. An exhibit inside the museum tells the Amah Mutsun story from creation to the present day. The garden outside the museum expands the cultural education experience, demonstrating how the Native Americans lived long before the Spanish and Mexican settlers.

Immersive Education

1. The Esselen Tribe has inhabited the Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast for 10,000 years. As visitors tread the ancestral lands of the native peoples of Monterey County, stop to be educated on the rich history and embrace traditions all around. Travelers can be immersed in a Lasapa Lelima Purification Treatment bathing ceremony at The Spa at Pebble Beach, featuring locally grown coastal white sage and elderberry. During November for National Native American Heritage Month, Alta Bakery + Café and Cella Restaurant will also raise funds for the Esselen Tribe with Bluecorn Porridge breakfasts at Alta and a dinner at Cella spotlighting indigenous cuisine and local acorn flour, madrone berries, wild boar, and turkey eggs.

Events

1. Powwows are a Native American tradition that brings together many different tribes and communities to celebrate culture through dancing, singing, socializing, crafts, arts, and food. On Nov. 11, plan a visit to Richmond, CA to witness the 13th Annual Richmond Contest Pow Wow. However, before heading to a Powwow, be sure to review tipson how to partake in viewing respectfully.

St. Augustine, Fla. From the land’s very first native people to Spanish colonists to freed slaves, these shores celebrate the beauty of cultures past and present. The National Park Service will hosted free events, Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. Known as Fort Marion in the 19^th century, the fort served as a military prison for Native Americans during three separate periods: the Seminole in 1837, warriors of five Plains tribes from 1875-1878, and Apache from 1886-1887. The Castillo is honored to feature representatives from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the Kiowa Tribe, the Comanche Nation, and the Caddo Nation to lead educational sessions on art, history, and the legacy of the 1870s imprisonments and its impact today. The educational sessions were held Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 9am to 12pm, and Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9am to 3pm at Flagler College’s Ringhaver Student Center. The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival is a unique experience, celebrating 450 years of West African Culture. On Saturday, Dec. 2^nd, Armstrong Park in Elkton, Florida echoed with the sounds of traditional music, dance, food, and crafts to celebrate this vibrant culture. The Gullah Geechee are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on the rice, indigo, and cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast. They have traditionally resided in the coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. With the landing of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in St. Augustine in 1565, Spanish influence and heritage can be found throughout Florida’s Historic Coast. The St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festivalcelebrates the food, wine, and culture of Spain with a multi-day festival. Foodies, history buffs, and xenophiles can explore Spanish history and traditions while enjoying Spanish wine, tapas, and spirits. The festival takes place February 29 – March 2, 2024, on the Flagler College Campus. For information go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at FloridasHistoricCoast.com and www.ViajaStAugustine.com

Unlocking Customer Loyalty: Harnessing the Power of Loyalty Program Insights

Understanding the Loyalty Programs in which customers participate is a crucial strategic move for travel businesses seeking to enhance their customer’s loyalty. By gaining insights into their affiliations, travel companies can cultivate loyalty by forging strategic partnerships, tailoring services to individual preferences, enriching the overall customer experience, and harnessing opportunities for cross-promotion. This knowledge serves as the foundation for a more profound connection with customers, resulting in a happier and more loyal customer base.

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Multicultural Travel News
Sept 15 – Oct 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month and more

News Briefs:
Las Vegas Celebrates El Grito and Hispanic Heritage Month with Entertainment and Cultural Events

St. Augustine, FL, Celebrates Hispanic Heritage All Year Long With Its Living Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and Latin American Cultures

ABC Travel Greenbook App

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San Diego’s history and heritage are deeply intertwined with the influences and achievements of Hispanic artists, athletes and other stars who have enriched our community immensely over the decades. Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. To celebrate, the San Diego Tourism Authority is highlighting San Diego luminaries in the arts and sports communities, from music to visual arts to soccer and baseball. For more about Hispanic heritage in San Diego, read San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences and a listing of Hispanic-Owned Businesses on sandiego.org.

Mexican Independence Day, celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 16 and known as “El Grito,” is always a highlight of the year in the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Top Latin entertainment acts from around the world pack the weekend with music and laughs. The celebration also kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the Hispanic American community through Sunday, Oct. 15. Special events for the month-long event are planned throughout the destination. Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Events The City of Las Vegas presents El Grito: Celebrating the Independence of Mexico at the East Las Vegas Community Center on Friday, Sept. 15. The community festival includes live mariachi music, folk dance performances and children’s activities. Titled “Celebrations in Las Vegas,” the second annual Consulate of Mexico in Las Vegas Collaborative Exhibition is back at the Mayor’s Gallery at the Historic Fifth Street School. An artists’ reception is planned for Thursday, Sept. 14 and the exhibit is open Mondays through Fridays through Wednesday, Nov. 1. The Mexican Patriotic Committee puts on its Fiestas Patrias event at Sammy Davis, Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park on Saturday, Sept. 16. The family-friendly event features food, live music and dancing. The Club Migrants de Uruapan Celebrates Hispanic Heritage event takes place at Sammy Davis, Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park on Saturday, Oct. 14. The family-friendly celebration focuses on the culture of the Mexican state of Uruapan, featuring traditional music, dance, food, and art.

After years of research, Martinique Lewis, a diversity in travel consultant, President of the Black Travel Alliance, and host of National Geographic’s ‘“’Black Travel Across America’’, has turned her best-selling book “The ABC Travel Greenbook’’ into an app that travelers everywhere will have access to. From restaurants to recreation centers, transportation companies, and Black history tours, this resource shows you all of the places search engines can’t. This web application is the number one resource connecting travelers to the African Diaspora globally, effortlessly. The official release date was June 2nd, the three-year anniversary of Black Out Tuesday when brands and people all over the world showed their solidarity in supporting the Black community and Black-owned businesses. Inspired by Victor Hugo Green’s Negro Motorist Greenbook, this will be the first time travelers will have one digital resource that collectively lists all things Black pertaining to travel. This resource was created to celebrate Black culture and serve Black communities while also strengthening local economies and circulating the Black dollar. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @abctravelgreenbook Download the app on iPhone Download the app on Android