WHY IT RATES: The new board marks a significant milestone for the organization and the travel industry as a whole as it's nearly a decade in the making and unites leaders across a slew of vital industries.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
The Black Travel Summit (BTS) today announces its first-ever Advisory Board, a milestone for the community as BTS celebrates six years and prepares for its first international summit this November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Board unites leaders across tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and creative industries to champion representation, ownership, and equitable growth across the Black travel ecosystem.
“We began in 2019 as a vision to connect our community through the joy of travel,” said Anita Moreau, Founder & CEO. “Now we’re carrying that vision across oceans. This Board will help to translate our culture, creativity, and economic power into real outcomes—more partnerships, more ownership, and more opportunity—together.”
"The Black Travel Summit’s debut in Rio de Janeiro is more than a milestone; it is a statement of intent,” said Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director, Caribbean Tourism Organisation Chapter UK & EU.
“For the first time outside the United States, we are bringing together a global community to showcase how Black travellers shape culture, drive markets, and inspire change. As a Board, we are committed to building bridges with international stakeholders to transform that influence into opportunities, partnerships, and lasting impact across borders."
Inaugural Advisory Board
- Bekezela Ndlovu, CEO & Founder, African Bush Camps / African Bush Camps Foundation (17 luxury camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia)
- Gai A. Spann, Founder & Travel Artist, SPANNing the Globe Tours
- Jamie-Lee Abtar, Head of Marketing, Not in the Guidebooks
- Carrington M. Carter, Co-founder & General Partner, East Chop Capital; Co-founder & Managing Partner, Getaway Society
- S. Lovey Parker, Executive Director & Founder, Black Hoteliers & Investors Association (BH&IA)
- Michele Bondanelli, Head of Leisure Sales, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
- Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director, Caribbean Tourism Organisation Chapter UK & Europe; CEO, FVD International
- Jessica Mutuku, CEO & Founder, Tyler Group Holdings
- Esosa Osagiede, Creative Director, Insight Publicis
Rio 2025: Diaspórica - Legacy in Motion
BTS lands in Rio de Janeiro for a four-day program spotlighting Afro-Brazilian heritage and cross-continental collaboration. Expect industry panels, wellness sessions, signature heritage tours, the Black Travel Awards Gala, and the Black Travel Film Festival—a vibrant celebration of our stories in motion.
SOURCE: Black Travel Summit press release.
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