BlackEnterprise.com

A new survey by Mandala Research shows that African American travelers are a significant travel group who contributed about $63 billion to the U.S. travel and tourism economy in 2018. Contrast that with the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD), which estimates that less than 1% of hotels are owned by black women. The disparity is eye-opening to say the least. Choice Hotels International is tackling this disparity head-on with its one-of-a-kind emerging markets franchise development team that began in 2003. The effort has led to more black women ownership in the hospitality industry. The Bainum family, whose patriarch Stewart Bainum opened his first hotel in 1957, still owns 40% of the company and has always recognized the importance of diversity. A goal was put forth to executives to increase hotel ownership for African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and veterans.