New York State Launches ‘I Love NY Black’ Travel Inititative
Photo courtesy of governor.ny.gov
New York state is launching an I Love NY Black travel initiative to grow tourism in the state while encouraging more Black traveler visitation, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Feb. 24.
The initiative, announced at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City, will feature a promotional campaign highlighting Black history, culture, food, arts, and events in New York state. It will also have a specified presence on the state’s I Love NY website, and was made in commemoration with Black History Month, according to a release.
“The new I Love NY Black travel initiative will be a celebration of New York’s unparalleled Black history, culture, food, and arts,” Governor Hochul said. “From sites and museums that bring Black history to life to world-class arts and cultural institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York has so much to offer. I look forward to working with our partners to welcome even more visitors to experience Black culture in our state.”
Among the state’s notable attractions include the Jackie Robinson Museum, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, and the Colored Musicians Club, according to the release. The state is also home to dozens of underground railroads and features an annual Juneteenth celebration in Buffalo.
The initiative will be comparable to the state’s Accessible NY and I Love NY LGBTQ tourism programs, which highlight travel destinations relevant and supportive of specific communities. The state’s Division of Tourism will encourage visitors to create Black travel itineraries while also collaborating with other state agency partners to promote Black traveling and visitation to New York.
“I am proud our state will proactively highlight the incredible diversity we have to offer and encourage travelers from around the world to experience and appreciate New York’s Black culture,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said.
New York’s annual economic tourism impact is $85.5 billion, according to the state, with the tourism and hospitality sector ranking as the third-largest in the state and supporting one in 10 private sector jobs.
