NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC PLANS DIGITAL & IN-PERSON EXPERIENCES FOR FALL ROLL OUT

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The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) announced that it will kick off a year-long celebration filled with a variety of digital experiences and limited in-person events. The public will be able to engage and interact with NMAAM through various digital experiences available via the museum’s website and social media channels. The museum is continuing to share the story of the influence and contributions of African Americans on the American soundtrack. The signature From Nothing to Something educational program is now being offered across NMAAM social media platforms, along with other recurring programming such as Sips and Stanzas, the My Music Matters interview series and the Fine Tuning Masterclasses. NMAAM will also soon offer virtual tours of the museum and digital sneak peaks of selected items in its collection of artifacts. The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in fall 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. Based in Nashville, Tenn., the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to honor Black musical heroes of the past and the present. For more information, please visit www.blackmusicmuseum.org.

WONDERWORKS ORLANDO TO HOST SENSORY DAY WITH SPECIAL $10 ADMISSION

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WonderWorks Orlando will be hosting another Sensory Day event on Monday, July 13, 2020. The event will give guests with special needs a chance to explore the indoor attraction in a more comfortable setting. The exhibits and attractions throughout the building will be altered to give guests a more comfortable and sensory-friendly environment to limit stimulation. “In these uncertain times, we feel it is still important to provide a limited stimulation environment for children and adults with special needs,” says Brian Wayne, general manager of WonderWorks Orlando. “We want them to be able to visit and enjoy our attractions here without feeling overwhelmed.” WonderWorks hosts several Sensory Days throughout the year. They are typically held on Sundays, but this July event will be on a Monday. This gives homeschool students and those on summer break a chance to visit. In an effort to create a sensory-friendly environment on Sensory Day, WonderWorks Orlando will:  Alter exhibit lights and sounds to limit stimulation, Lower the music in the facility, Turn off loud exhibits so they are not operational, Shut off the Inversion Tunnel guests typically enter through, Create an overall safe and comfortable environment to avoid feeling overwhelmed. “This is going to be a great sensory-friendly event for all,” added Wayne. “WonderWorks is proud to be able to offer these Sensory Days for our community.” According to research published in the journal Occuptional Therapy International, up to nearly 17% of the general population experiences sensory processing challenges. A sensory-friendly experience at WonderWorks gives people an opportunity to have fun, without being overwhelmed. WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and interesting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby with the ceiling at their feet and the ground above their head and must pass through an inversion tunnel to be turned right side up. There are three floors of nonstop “edu-tainment,” with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve an educational purpose to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks has locations in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, and Syracuse. For more information, visit the site https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/.

NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITES, EXHIBITS, ART AND MORE

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Milestone Anniversaries of 15th and 19th Amendments Make 2020 a Special Year. With numerous, easily accessible historical sites and special exhibits found at cultural institutions throughout the state during Black History Month this February and beyond, New Jersey invites visitors and residents to learn more about the achievements of African Americans and the impact they had in shaping the Garden State’s history. This year’s theme, “African Americans and The Vote,” offers an opportunity to reflect on two key anniversaries and their impact on the lives of black men and women: the 150th anniversary of the 15thAmendment (1870), giving black men the right to vote, and the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment (1920), granting women’s suffrage. Special events and exhibits throughout the state will examine this aspect of American history. “More than a million African Americans call New Jersey home, so Black History is our history,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “This February, join me in exploring the rich and meaningful contributions African Americans have made to our state and our nation. Beyond this Black History Month, I look forward to recognizing these stories throughout the year, and I am particularly excited to welcome Cape May’s new Harriet Tubman Museum in June.” Honoring a key figure in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War, the Harriet Tubman Museum will display artifacts related to the pioneering freedom fighter along with African American art. The museum’s opening coincides with Juneteenth, which celebrates the 1865 executive decree that freed more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas. More information about the museum can be found here. Visitors and residents don’t have to wait until June to learn more about African American culture in New Jersey, however. The state will celebrate Black History Month though performances, events and cultural happenings, which can be found here. In addition, visitors are encouraged to explore New Jersey’s many notable African American landmarks and important sites, including: Afro-American Historical Society Museum and Shady Rest Country Club, America’s first black-owned and operated country club, opened in 1921 and featured a nine-hole course, tennis, croquet and horseback riding. Prominent figures in the African American community, such as Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Althea Gibson, often frequented the club. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.

Disneyland Resort Welcomed the Year of the Mouse with a Limited-Time Lunar New Year Event, Jan. 17 to Feb. 9, 2020

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Disneyland Resort celebrated the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020. During the 24 days of this multicultural celebration, guests enjoyed exciting live entertainment and musical performances, including “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” and the return of the heartwarming “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” prior to the “World of Color” nighttime spectacular. This unique Lunar New Year celebration came alive with a touch of Disney magic as transformative Asian celebrations dedicate the new year. Guests experienced inspired food, music and entertainment with loved ones as they celebrate the Year of the Mouse together. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, celebrates the celestial journey of the sun and the moon on their journey towards another year. For more information, visit Disneyland.com.

LAS VEGAS HAS CELEBRATED CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT, DÉCOR AND CULINARY OFFERINGS TO RING IN THE YEAR OF THE RAT

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Las Vegas has commemorated the Chinese New Year with an array of decadent culinary offerings, breathtaking décor and lively entertainment for visitors throughout January and February. Remembering the significance of the sacred Spring Festival, Las Vegas will extend good fortune and prosperity to all who revel in the destination’s cultural festivities. The annual celebratory dragon display returned for another year at The Forum Shops inside Caesars Palace. The 22-foot-long dragon is not only a great photo opportunity for visitors, but is also a traditional symbol of power, strength and good luck. The decorative display is dressed in 30,000 red and amber LED lights, flickering to give the mythical creature a vibrant look and dynamic feel. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens celebrates the Year of the Rat with a captivating Lunar New Year display open from Saturday, January 11 through Saturday, March 7. Designed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the 20,000 visitors who visit daily, the gardens radiate hues of gold and red with picture-perfect botanical creations made from flowers, seeds, silks and plants. To commemorate the Year of the Rat, The Venetian and The Palazzo’s horticulture team consulted a feng shui master to transform the waterfall atrium with an installation of a colossal 2,000-pound golden rodent sculpture, on display beginning Wednesday, January 15. The featured sculpture stands 18 feet tall and will be surrounded by green gardens brightly blooming with red and orange bromeliads, red calandiva, golden yellow chrysanthemums and red and yellow orchids, shipped from around the country, including citrus and lucky bamboo from Florida. Additionally, nine smaller versions of the rat will be placed throughout the waterfall atrium and the resorts’ lobbies. MGM Grand transformed into a Lunar New Year spectacle with vibrant displays of eye-catching floral décor and playful panda bears surrounding the resort’s iconic lion. The displays will abound with over 4,000 live plants. On display at Wynn Las Vegasstarting Wednesday, January 15, are two eight-foot golden dragons that will spread good luck to visitors outside, while inside the resort the Wynn main atrium features spectacular 45-foot long silk dragons hanging above 7,000 vibrant orange, yellow and red mums, begonias and calandivas. Additionally, the resort will be dotted with 60 tangerine trees honoring the traditional gifting of this fruit to others as a wish of good fortune. For more information, visit www.lvcva.comor www.visitlasvegas.com.

CITY IS NATION’S FIRST TO BE AUTISM CERTIFIED

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Mesa is officially the first Autism Certified City in the country with close to 4,000 stakeholders in health care, education, hospitality and government trained to better serve people with the sensory disorder. The city was recently certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards and is now able to tap into a new source of visitor dollars to the region. More than 32 million individuals with autism and their families travel each year, according to IBCCES data, while close to $262 billion is spent on autism-related services in the U.S. each year. For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been spearheading autism training for licensed health care professionals and educators around the globe. In order for an entire city to become certified, it must first certify at least 60 businesses, as well as schools and other city departments. For a company or organization to become certified, 80 percent or more of its guest-facing staff must undergo position-specific training. The nearly year-long effort behind the autism certification was launched by the city’s destination marketing organization Visit Mesa, which encouraged businesses to participate in the training in order to meet the needs of travelers with autism. Visit Mesa championed the idea of servicing those living with autism as well as their families from the very beginning stages of planning a vacation, to when they arrive and throughout their stay. Almost 60 businesses and organizations in Mesa and the surrounding area completed autism certification training — including Jake’s Unlimited, AZ Goat Yoga, i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, Main Street Bar and Grill and Escape Rooms Mesa.

AMERICAN AIRLINES NAMED KENNETH CHARLES CHIEF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY OFFICER

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American Airlines announced that Kenneth Charles has been named the airline’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. In this new role, Charles will lead American’s global inclusion and diversity strategies. This includes establishing the company’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure best practices are implemented across all aspects of American’s people and business processes. “Ken brings a wealth of experience to the team and is a proven leader in creating global inclusion strategies,” said American’s Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “We are on a journey to enhance our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion across American, and Ken will help chart our course to ensure American is an industry leader. Our decision to become more intentional in this area is vital to our global business. Ken will provide a needed and important voice in all of our critical decision-making.” American has taken a number of steps to strengthen its inclusion and diversity practices. These include implementing both computer-based and in-person implicit bias training for all 130,000 team members and creating a specialized team to listen to, resolve and learn from customer feedback. “We have progressed our company’s focus on inclusion and diversity, and we recognize we can and will do even more,” added Parker. “We are committed to building on our diverse and inclusive culture to not only make American a welcoming airline for all customers, but also a great place to work for every team member.”

Multicultural Travel News – News From Vagabond Tours of Ireland, IATA, Jamaica, Kentucky, Buenos Aires, Oaxaca and Bahamas

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News Briefs:

  • Vagabond Tours of Ireland Helps Connect Guests To Their Ancestral Links
  • IATA Launches Gender Diversity Campaign
  • Jamaica Re-positioned in the Japanese Travel Market
  • African American’s Role in Horse Racing Honored in New Exhibits and Experiences
  • International Tango Festival and World Cup (Mundial de Tango)
  • Oaxaca Hosts Historic “Vive Mezcal 2019” International ForumThe Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas Launches Arabic Website
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Multicultural Travel News – News From Mexico’s Yucatan State, Natchez, Wild Terrains, Toronto, Puerto Vallarta and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

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News Briefs:

  • Mexico’s Yucatan State Poised To Be Mexico’s Next “IT” Destination
  • Natchez, MS LGTBQ Event Celebrates Inclusion This October
  • Wild Terrains Launches New Women-Only Trips to Portugal This Fall
  • Tourism Toronto Has Launched New Destination Campaign: Let Yourself In – Campaign Invites Travelers to Go All-in and Share in Toronto Pride Felt Across the City
  • Puerto Vallarta to Host First National LGBTQ Media Association International Conference
  • Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Debuts New Culinary Offerings for Groups, Launches Six New Chinese, Indian and Vegan Menus
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Princess Cruises Announces “Sabor Latino” Theme on Select 7-Day Caribbean Cruises

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Princess Cruises has announced a series of Latin-themed cruise itineraries on 7-day Caribbean cruises on two Caribbean Princess sailings in July 2019. The “Sabor Latino” themed cruises promise to deliver the Caribbean cruise experience, tailored to the preferences of the Latin American guest, with late night DJ dance parties, an onboard Spanish-speaking host, shore excursions guided in Spanish, and Latin-inspired cocktails. On the first “Sabor Latino” voyage, Caribbean Princess will sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on July 13, 2019 for an Eastern Caribbean cruise itinerary featuring breathtaking beaches and old world charm, visiting Princess Cays — Princess Cruises’ private island experience in the Bahamas – plus calls in St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Then on July 20, 2019, Caribbean Princess will sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary featuring ancient Mayan ruins, eco-adventures, and gorgeous beaches while calling in Grand Cayman, Roatán, Belize City, and Cozumel. Latin-inspired culinary menu items from Argentine chef Gustavo Schneider paired with special guest speaker Bill Esparza round out the “Sabor Latino” menu. Exclusively on the July 20th voyage, Esparza – a James Beard award-winner, author, and food TV personality – will speak on how Latin American culinary trends have permeated throughout Los Angeles and culinary anecdotes from his time as a professional saxophone player on the road in Latin America. Select Spanish-language films, Latin American television channels, plus Spanish-language magic entertainment from special guest Pablo Pol, Spanish-language stand-up comedy from Mariano Potel, and performances from singer-songwriter Yaire all together provide an impressive entertainment lineup. Over the last few years, Caribbean Princess has been at the forefront of major fleet revitalizations, with many family-oriented features and amenities including breakthrough technology, family accommodations, new dining experiences and entertainment offerings. General information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com/.