2025 SCHEDULE

We enjoyed four impactful days packed with workshops, networking, activities, and industry insights during November, Brazil’s Black Consciousness Month at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro, Barra da Tijuca.

THE EVENT

Every year, the Black Travel Summit grows in participation, brand messaging, and, most importantly, content, with a speaker series that attracts top talent from across our ecosystem. This year, we are excited not only to celebrate 5 years, but to offer six tracks of focus to foster community, spark meaningful conversation, and drive thought leadership. The tracks are:

CREATOR

Designed for content creators and influencers to explore strategies for growing their personal brands, collaborating with industry leaders, and amplifying diverse travel narratives.

Focusing on professionals and organizations, this track will delve into the importance of diversity in travel marketing, corporate social responsibility, and building inclusive travel products and services.

Designed for business owners, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain insights into launching, scaling, and sustaining travel-related ventures. This track explores strategies for brand building, funding opportunities, global market expansion, and forming impactful partnerships within the ecosystem.

This track brings together hoteliers and investors to discuss opportunities for creating innovative, culturally inclusive hospitality experiences and securing investment for diverse travel ventures.

Designed for travel advisors and operators, this track focuses on enhancing the guest experience, curating culturally relevant tours, and fostering partnerships with destinations that cater to the Black travel community.

Practitioner pass holders will have the opportunity to extend this track to friends and family who want to experience specific events throughout the summit. F&F pass holders will not have access to workshops and speaker sessions.

2025 schedule

Enjoy four impactful days packed with workshops, networking, activities, and industry insights during Brazil’s Black Consciousness Month this November. 

DAY 01
November 13th
Thursday
08:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Check-In
Group Check-In Area
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Discover the rich history and living heritage of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa on this immersive guided tour that uncovers sites of Black resistance and memory. This experience invites you to reconnect with ancestral roots and embrace Afro-Brazilian culture through historic landmarks, museums, and authentic cuisine.
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Experience Afro-Brazilian cuisine as a living legacy—blending African, Indigenous, and European influences in iconic dishes like acarajé, moqueca, and feijoada—while supporting Black-owned restaurants and celebrating culture, resilience, and community.
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Discover Quilombo Astrogilda—a community of ancestral resistance in Rio—through a guided forest trail, sacred waterfall, and traditional pau a pique home. Experience Afro-Brazilian heritage firsthand with stories from local leaders and enjoy meals rooted in quilombola tradition and connection to the land.
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Check-In
Group Check-In Area
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
AM Break
Rio Ballroom Foyer
12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Wavelength, created by Black Travel Alliance, is a premier networking event—hosted both virtually and in person—designed to connect Black creators with travel brands for dynamic engagement and meaningful collaborations. It functions like a speed-networking platform, where creators and brands can connect swiftly and purposefully to spark campaign ideas and professional partnerships.
02:15 PM – 03:00 PM
Black Travel Summit presents Passport to Storytelling: Pitch Competition, an exclusive opportunity for storytellers, creators, and visionaries to share their original concepts with Jason Harvey, Executive Vice President & General Manager of BET+.
This competition goes beyond travel, it’s an open call for stories that broaden horizons, challenge norms, and reflect the limitless experiences of Black life and culture. From scripted to unscripted, from local to global, creators are invited to present concepts that explore the human experience through authentic and liberated storytelling.
Travel, in its truest form, is a way to open the mind, expand leadership, and connect to one’s most authentic self. In that same spirit, Passport to Storytelling encourages creators to break boundaries, redefine representation, and amplify narratives that move us forward.
Winners will receive a meeting with the scripted and/or unscripted development teams at BET+, gaining invaluable insight into the process of content acquisition and development.
Jason Harvey

EVP and General Manager of BET+

03:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Black Travel Summit is partnering with Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club, Grenada to bring an immersive, creative contest to our attendees! This is your chance to design your ultimate dream hotel room and have it reviewed by Barry Collymore, Chairman of Mount Cinnamon, for a chance to win an unforgettable 3-night stay in Grenada!
Barry Collymore

Co Founder West Indies School of Hospitality

12:00 PM – 04:00 PM
Black Travel Film Festival (BTFF), created by Black Travel Summit, is a pioneering event dedicated to amplifying the voices and perspectives of Black travel creators and visionaries. Committed to showcasing stories from the African diaspora that have often been overlooked or marginalized, this festival celebrates the richness, diversity, and resilience of Black travel culture.
04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Our Expo has been a core part of our programming since our launch in 2019, serving as an interactive showcase where travel, tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle brands present their work, innovations, and opportunities to a global audience. Designed as a hub for connection and visibility, the Expo brings together ally brands and entrepreneurs across the Black travel space to exhibit—sharing stories, building meaningful relationships, and highlighting the diverse ways they shape the ecosystem. Each year, we also dedicate space to the local Black community—giving back to the places that welcome us—by providing a platform for their businesses and cultural impact. Come ready to connect, celebrate, and support.
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Sponsored by
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Check-in
Group Check-in Area
06:30 AM – 07:30 AM
Experience the rhythm and roots of Afro-Brazilian culture in this wellness class led by Mayombe Masai, where Samba for beginners is taught through intentional movement. More than just steps, participants will explore the significance and symbolism behind the dance—connecting body, spirit, and tradition in a joyful celebration of heritage and well-being.
07:30 AM – 08:30 AM
Breakfast
Grand Ballroom Foyer
07:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Rooted in the Afro-Brazilian concept of afeto—affection, warmth, and care—AfroAfeto celebrates the nurturing bonds and cultural pride that sustain the Afro-Brazilian community. More than a space for rest, it embodies healing, connection, and affirmation, offering a sanctuary that honors Afro-Diaspora traditions of love and collective well-being.
09:00 AM – 09:10 AM
Anita Moreau, our Founder and CEO, welcomes you to Black Travel Summit 2025 along with our partners.
Anita Moreau

Black Travel Summit Founder and CEO

09:10 AM – 09:40 AM
Travel isn’t just about movement; it’s about meaning. Every border crossed, language learned, and culture experienced leaves a mark not just on our passports, but on our leadership. In this powerful keynote, Jason Harvey (EVP & GM of BET+) explores how global experiences shape how we lead, tell stories, and build business rooted in belonging. From navigating cultural nuances across Latin America to scaling one of the most culturally relevant streaming platforms in the world, Jason shares how curiosity, empathy, and cultural fluency redefine what leadership looks like across the Black diaspora. This is a talk about travel as transformation. It’s about how the stories we live become the stories we lead, and how Black travelers, creators, and brands can use cultural intelligence to drive both purpose and profitability.
Jason Harvey

EVP and General Manager of BET+

09:40 AM – 10:10 AM
In an industry where representation and belonging shape the future of travel, travel leaders play a pivotal role in driving sustained change. This session featuring senior leaders from Hyatt will inspire entrepreneurs, travel leaders, and creators by spotlighting personal leadership journeys, the importance of fostering inclusive cultures within and beyond the travel space, and detail how Hyatt is advancing its commitment to equity and belonging. Through candid storytelling and insights, panelists will share how they are shaping a more inclusive hospitality industry while honoring diverse cultures and achievements.
Sponsored by
Hyatt
Devin Griffith

Global Head of Asset Management, Hyatt

Shawn Paynemiller

Vice President of Hotel Finance, Hyatt Hotels Corp

Michele Bondanelli
Michele Bondanelli

Head of Leisure Sales, Hyatt Hotels Corp.

10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
As corporations scale back on promises once made, the travel industry risks more than lost credibility—it risks losing one of its most dynamic markets. This session unpacks the consequences of retreating from meaningful engagement with Black travelers, highlighting industry trends, missed opportunities, and the path forward for brands seeking authentic growth and sustained impact.
Rondel Holder

Multidisciplinary Creative Director

Dana Maule

Founder of Northside Pride of Jacksonville

Rodrigo Balbino

Account Manager, ACCOR and JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro

Tenisha Brown-Williams

Senior Tourism Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
The African diaspora is on the move—seeking reconnection, cultural immersion, and experiences that speak to identity as much as leisure. This session unpacks how travel advisors and tour operators can position themselves at the heart of this growing market. From building itineraries rooted in heritage to understanding the nuances of intergenerational travelers, you’ll learn how to meet diaspora clients where they are, while shaping narratives that affirm and celebrate Black travelers worldwide.
Alexander Rocha

Founder of Experience Real Cartagena

Jennifer Tosch

Cultural Historian & Edupreneur

Isabella Vargas

Traveller XP Founder & CEO

Gai Spann

Founder & Travel Artist, SPANNing the Globe Tours

11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Explore the power and responsibility of digital storytelling in honoring Afro-Diaspora cultures. This session unpacks ethical storytelling practices—covering consent, compensation, and cultural context—while highlighting how Black creators are using digital media to preserve heritage, uplift marginalized voices, and spark global conversations around identity and travel. Move beyond aesthetics and learn how to share stories with care, cultural awareness, and impact.
Eileen Ivette

Award-winning Video Producer

Chew

Travel Content Creator

Alexa Moore

Award-winning Travel Creator & Writer

Leandro Gonçalves

Afro-Brazilian Content Creator

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Explore how hoteliers can develop culturally grounded, community-driven properties that balance profitability with purpose. This session examines how to create immersive guest experiences that reflect local heritage—from pre-trip collaborations with diverse partners to in-room design elements that honor regional identity. Through case studies set in or near Black cultural hubs, we’ll discuss the complexities of cultural preservation, gentrification, and economic revitalization—and how intentional hospitality can uplift communities while making every guest feel seen, valued, and connected.
Barry Collymore

Co Founder West Indies School of Hospitality

Carrington M. Carter
Carrington M. Carter

Co-founder & General Partner, East Chop Capital Co-founder & Managing Partner, Getaway Society

Malik Yoba

CEO, Yoba Development

Savina Briggs

Co-owner, Hotel Sages

Angelica Espiritu

Co-owner, Hotel Sages

12:30 PM – 01:00 PM
This dynamic conversation explores how members of the global Afro-diaspora transform their identities into thriving enterprises that redefine culture, business, and influence. Through the lenses of travel communications, public relations, and marketing, the discussion highlights how authenticity, representation, and cross-cultural storytelling can serve as both creative currency and strategic advantage. From agency founders building brands rooted in cultural truth, to industry professionals shaping how global audiences experience diverse destinations and stories, this session unpacks how heritage and lived experience fuel innovation, leadership, and lasting impact.
Tenille Clarke

Publicist & Storyteller

Florian Valmy-Devillers

Europe and CEO of FVD International

Esosa Osagiede

Award-Winning Creative Director

01:00 PM – 01:45 PM
Sponsored by
02:00 PM – 02:40 PM
You don’t need a massive following to build a profitable brand. This session is designed for nano influencers ready to pitch with confidence, showcase their value, and secure meaningful brand partnerships. Led by travel creator and drone pilot Beatrice Alleyne, you’ll learn out of the box tips which have efficiently scaled her Busy Bea Travels brand into a successful business venture. This session will include discussions covering pitches, rates, networking, and contract advice.
Beatrice Alleyne

Content Creator and Drone Pilot

02:00 PM – 02:40 PM
Benin, a vibrant country in West Africa, offers a captivating blend of culture, nature, art, history, and memory. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on Benin as both a rising tourism destination and a land of reconnection for the African diaspora. The session will reveal how the country is transforming through authentic cultural experiences, powerful heritage journeys, and initiatives that strengthen ancestral and cultural ties. Participants will also uncover Benin’s growing international recognition and explore a diverse range of investment opportunities across tourism, hospitality, and the creative industries. Led by Sindé CHEKETE, CEO of Benin Tourism and the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx), the session will provide practical insights into destination branding, sustainable tourism development, and how investment and culture intersect to shape Benin’s dynamic future.
Sponsored by
Sindé CHEKETE

CEO of Benin Tourism

02:00 PM – 02:40 PM
Across oceans and generations, Black foodways have carried stories of movement, memory, and creativity. This conversation explores how the flavours, rituals, and recipes we inherit continue to shape where and how we travel. KJ Kearney unpacks how food documents our shared past while sparking new connections and inspiration across the diaspora.
KJ Kearney
KJ Kearney

Community Organizer

02:50 PM – 03:30 PM
"Afrotourism is key to positioning Brazil as an inclusive and powerful destination on the global stage. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur)—the only government organization with dedicated Afrotourism leadership in Brazil—is showcasing how diversity has become not only a central asset but also a competitive advantage. Diversity isn’t just the right thing—it’s a driver of innovation, audience growth, and revenue.

Through initiatives such as the creation of the Afrotourism, Diversity, and Indigenous Peoples Coordination and the promotion of cultural itineraries, Embratur demonstrates how embedding DEI into tourism strategy enhances customer experiences, strengthens global positioning, and creates sustainable economic value. Join us in exploring how a commitment to anti-racism and authentic Black protagonism can power the next era of inclusive tourism in Brazil and beyond.
Sponsored by
Tânia Neres do Santos

Diversity, Afrotourism, & Indigenous Peoples Coordinator, Embratur

02:50 PM – 03:30 PM
This session brings together visionaries redefining what it means to build, own, and invest in hospitality. Exploring how The Black Hoteliers & Investors Association is cultivating a global ecosystem for emerging and established hotel owners, developers, and investors, the discussion highlights pathways toward equitable access, sustainable development, and innovation across travel and lodging. From real estate and design to tech integration and cultural experience, discover how a new generation of Black hospitality leaders are driving transformation—bridging capital, creativity, and community impact on a global scale.
S. Lovey Parker

Executive Director & Founder, Black Hoteliers & Investors Association (BH&IA)

02:50 PM - 03:30 PM
This session explores how Gambiarra – the iconic Brazilian way – goes beyond improvisation to become a driving force of creative innovation. It demonstrates how Brazil’s cultural challenges and resource scarcity have shaped a unique mindset for solving problems in an ingenious, sustainable, and efficient way. Led by Bia Lopes Maria and Thiago Costa, this engaging session will challenge the audience to rethink creativity and break away from the obvious through an interactive experience. More than just a method, Gambiarra is a technology – if we think of technology as a solution.
Bia Lopes Maria

Head of Creation at W3Haus

Thiago Costa

Art Director at iFood

03:40 PM – 04:20 PM
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world of travel, authenticity is more than a buzzword – it’s a competitive advantage. This workshop will explore how drawing from experiences and embracing your true self can strengthen your personal and professional brand. Participants will discover strategies to build trust, foster deeper connections, and highlight their unique voice in ways that resonate with clients, partners, and communities. Because when you lead with your true self, you create space for lasting impact.
Sponsored by
Hyatt
Jessica Blunt

Global Sales Manager, Hyatt Sales Force

Mariana Azevedo

Director of Sales – Luxury, Lifestyle & Leisure Hyatt Sales Force

03:40 PM – 04:20 PM
This breakout dives into how hospitality spaces can authentically celebrate African diaspora heritage—from architectural design and interior décor to service models and staff development. Meryanne Loum-Martin, an acclaimed hotelier, will share insights on creating hotels that blend cultural storytelling with modern comfort, fostering environments that resonate with travelers, strengthen community ties, and set new standards for inclusive hospitality.
Meryanne Loum-Martin

Hotel owner and Developer

03:40 PM – 04:20 PM
Short-form video has become one of the most influential tools for shaping travel decisions and inspiring audiences worldwide. This breakout will show creators how to capture and edit scroll-stopping Reels and TikToks, with practical tips on shooting techniques, editing shortcuts, and leveraging location-based storytelling to stand out. Participants will also explore planning and scheduling tools, strategies for optimizing captions and sounds, and methods for tracking performance. This session is designed to help travel creators transform quick content into high-impact assets that drive visibility, engagement, and long-term growth.
Sophia Costa

Storytelling & Travel Content Specialist

07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Black Travel Awards Gala, presented in partnership with AfroPunk, is an Afro-futurist evening where legacy and imagination meet to honor the future of Black travel. Against a backdrop of art, music, and storytelling, we celebrate the trailblazers of today by awarding the VICtor Award finalists and uplifting the cinematic voices of the Black Travel Film Festival finalists—all in one transformative night of elegance, creativity, and connection.
In partnership with
Presented by
Sponsored in part by
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Check-in
Group Check-In Area
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
AM Break
Loft Kitchen A
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
This is where innovation meets opportunity, giving emerging entrepreneurs a stage to showcase bold ideas that push the travel, tourism, and lifestyle industries forward. Each year, finalists present their ventures to a panel of industry leaders and investors, gaining visibility, feedback, and invaluable connections. This year, we proudly welcome our Accelerator finalists to pitch for the chance to win cash prizes, further fueling their journeys to build impactful, sustainable businesses within the global Black travel ecosystem.
In partnership with
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
The Press Partner Conferences provide a stage for brands, destinations, and innovators to debut new initiatives and collaborations before an audience of press, creators, and industry leaders. Designed to merge storytelling with strategy, these sessions offer exclusive insights, launches, and leadership perspectives shaping the future of travel and culture.

This inaugural edition features American Airlines and Benin Tourisme, spotlighting their shared commitment to inclusive travel and cultural exchange. Both partners will present new initiatives that connect communities across the diaspora and highlight authentic, empowering travel experiences for the global Black community.
01:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Closing Reception
Offsite
08:00 PM – Close
After Party
Offsite