Martinique Lewis: A Changemaker in Black Travel

How did your travel story start?

It began in 2017. I was tired of my fashion job and decided to travel to Paris for the weekend. I felt frustrated not seeing myself reflected in any in-flight entertainment or magazines. I began to question this, knowing how much I travelled as a Black person and how many Black and Brown travellers look to social media for inspiration. When I searched for #BlackinParis, I discovered an account called Black Voyageurs, founded by Xavier Owona, who later became my co-founder of the Black Travel Alliance. I reached out, and he graciously hosted me during my short stay, introducing me to the vibrant Black culture in Paris.

I was surprised by the richness of Black Paris. Although I didn’t speak French, I learned that there were places celebrating Black history and culture that weren’t part of the usual tourist experience. This realization was liberating and sparked a thought: If I, an avid traveller, was unaware of these spaces, many others probably were too. This was the catalyst for my journey in promoting Black travel experiences globally.

Establishing the Black Travel Alliance

In that pivotal moment, as the Black travel movement gained momentum online, I resolved to be the change I wanted to see in the industry. Over the next year, I depleted my savings while attending travel conferences, confronting industry leaders about their diversity and inclusion efforts. Sadly, their responses were frequently indifferent or lacking action. Realizing that I could make a difference, I positioned myself as a consultant for brands and destinations seeking guidance on inclusivity.

Fast-forward six years, I’ve been recognized as one of the travel industry’s most influential figures for my work in diversity and inclusion. The creation of the Black Travel Alliance, a non-profit supporting Black travel professionals, was significant. Following social upheaval in 2020, we united to address inequality in the industry, advocating for systemic change. Our community has flourished, growing to over 2,500 members across 54 countries and securing substantial funding to bolster Black-owned businesses.

Publishing the ABC Travel Greenbook

Publishing the ABC Travel Greenbook: Connecting the African Diaspora Globally in 2020 marked a milestone. I realized that many Black travellers were unaware of Black-owned businesses and communities globally that could enhance their travel experiences. It is crucial for us to know where to find our communities when abroad to feel safe and connected.

For example, travellers might wonder where to find a braiding salon in Tel Aviv or soul food in Japan. Many wouldn’t have known such places existed without this resource. The original Green Book by Victor Hugo Green served as inspiration, as he created a safe travel guide for African Americans in the 20th century. Our goal was to recreate this concept for the global community, ensuring Black narratives and experiences are represented and celebrated.

Exploring Favorite Destinations

London holds a special place in my heart, given my educational background there and the robust Black community that thrives, which I didn’t fully appreciate until later. Similarly, my love for Amsterdam grows each time I uncover deeper connections within the Black community, sharing these untold stories with a wider audience. Trinidad and Tobago, with its rich Caribbean culture, has also captivated me, particularly during carnival celebrations.

Recently, I discovered Providenciales, a hidden gem with a vibrant Black community reliant on tourism. Their struggles due to the pandemic and natural disasters highlighted the importance of supporting local communities. I am excited to return during their carnival celebrations to contribute to their economy in a meaningful way.

Industry Changes and Awareness

The travel industry has indeed become more aware of the importance of representation and inclusion, although actionable change has been slower to follow. While I commend the 15% of the industry actively working towards inclusivity, there is still much work to be done. I regularly highlight brands making strides in diversity, encouraging others to follow suit.

Celebrating Black Travelers

Among my favorite Black travellers are:

• Jamie-Lee Abtar – now with Intrepid Travel.
• Eulanda & Omo Osagiede – remarkable storytellers and content creators.
• Phil Calvert (Philwaukee) – a big personality breaking down stereotypes.
• Kareemah (Hijab Globetrotter) – representing a unique perspective in the travel industry.
• Stephanie Jones – a legislative powerhouse in the travel community.
• Fayida Jailer – an advocate for Black history and culture globally.
• Cecelia Adjei – a marketing strategist making waves from Accra to South Africa.
• DeAnna Taylor – an influential journalist in Black travel conversations.
• Anita Francois – founder of the Black Travel Summit, connecting African-Americans worldwide.