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
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.
After the wave of recent layoffs affecting several major corporations, Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta is offering a new getaway with free career counseling workshops from leading life coach Ruth Beltran.Travelers can take a break before getting into the serious business of searching for a new job, clear one’s head, and get advice on what to do next. The retreat, complimentary to hotel guests, includes a daily program devoted to transformational thinking to put guests in charge of their career today, along with an overview of changes taking place in the work world. Under the guidance of Beltran, guests will look at the new realities and how to stay in charge of their work life, whether that means identifying a new career, repositioning in a current field, or improving the job search. Casa Velas’ Career Getaway will take place April 24-28, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com/packages/career-getaway.
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/.
Argentina’s pioneering female winemaker Susana Balbo opened her first hotel, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, less than a year ago but it’s been gaining worldwide acclaim ever since. After four decades dedicated to the wine industry and international recognitions, Balbo created the bespoke estate and luxury boutique hotel in Mendoza with her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo. The hotel features a sense of place as well as the hostesses’ authentic wine roots in everything from design, décor, and setting to culinary experiences, art, wellness, and nature. It’s also about exclusivity. Guests feel as if they’re staying in a private estate, where Susana and Ana become hosts for those who want to experience their culture and wines. Seven spa suites feature fully integrated in-room spa features and services such as a steam room, sensations shower, massage table, and, in some, a dry sauna. La VidA Restaurant, a lounge bar, heated swimming pool, shop with local artisanal products, tasting room, and exclusive air safaris via private plane complete the SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites. For more information, visit https://www.susanabalbohotels.com/sb-winemakers-house-spa-suites-en/.
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.
Visit Jacksonville is Florida’s first destination management organization to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. This designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), recognizes organizations that have undergone staff training to better understand and meet the needs of autistic visitors and their families. Visit Jacksonville president and CEO Michael Corrigan welcomed the designation, saying, “We’re proud to be the first destination marketing organization in the state of Florida to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ status, but we’re most proud to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all who visit Jacksonville.” Visit Jacksonville operates three Visitor Centers: Jacksonville International Airport, Downtown Jacksonville at 100 North Laura Street, and the Beaches Museum in Jacksonville Beach, and also deploys a mobile Visitor Center that travels to various events state-wide. Many autistic individuals and their families want to travel yet may worry they will not be understood, welcomed, or have access to accommodation needs. A recent survey of parents, families, and autistic individuals conducted by IBCCES discovered that 94% of respondents would take more vacations or visit more new places if they had access to autism-trained and certified options. Through community designation as a CAD, a selection of the city’s attractions, hotels, recreation, and entertainment organizations will complete autism and sensory training and certification, as well as onsite reviews, and have long-term access to other supports through IBCCES. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to http://www.VisitJacksonville.com.
Alexandria, VA— From a self-taught mathematician who mapped out the nation’s capital to abolitionist sisters who partnered with Frederick Douglass to the first Black athlete to play in the NBA, African American changemakers have shaped the history of Alexandria, VA, and the United States. Throughout Black History Month, participate in a range of activities including a Manumission Tour Company Black History bus tour and film screenings of African American cinematic classics, explore the just-launched southern route of the African American Waterfront Heritage Trail and attend additional events below. Plus, look for the reopening of the Alexandria Black History Museum in 2023. Explore more ways to celebrate Black history and culture throughout February and year-round on Visit Alexandria’s Black History and Culture landing page.
Multicultural Travel News – News from New-York Historical Society, MMGY, Boston, Expedia, New York and Ft. Lauderdale
News Briefs:
New-York Historical Society Showcases Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite
The Biggest Barriers for Travelers With Disabilities (MMGY Global Report)
Boston All Inclusive campaign encourages residents and visitors alike to see Boston as diverse
Expedia Debuts First Ad for New Campaign Focusing on U.S. Latino Travelers
NYC & Company Launches Arabic-language Guide to Halal Travel in New York City During Middle East Sales Mission
Visit Lauderdale Unveils New Brand Campaign “Everyone Under the Sun”
Black Pioneers: Legacy in the American West
Multicultural Travel News – News from Washington, D.C., New York, Albuquerque, Wisconsin, Tennessee, California and the Rockies
News Briefs:
NMAI | National Museum of the American Indian: Visit the Many Nations of America From Home, Washington, D.C., and New York
Great Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month – Albuquerque
Great Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month – Wisconsin
Great Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month – Tennessee
Visit Native California Platform will Inspire Travelers to Discover Wonders of Golden State’s Native Lands and Cultural Heritage Experiences
The YMCA of the Rockies Is Working to Diversify the Outdoors
Multicultural Travel News 