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The first Black-owned hostel brand is celebrating its anniversary with its largest offering ever

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DEIDRE MATHIS, travel


Wanderstay, America’s first Black-owned hostel brand, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its boutique hotel. Founder Deidre Mathis is celebrating by announcing her biggest offering in order that recent customers can check out the space.

Curious travelers will reach Houston stay in one among Wanderstay’s themed rooms, inspiring with music, sports and even safari. Tucked away within the cultural district of the East End, Mathis intentionally designed this space to bring fun and excitement back to luxury adult accommodation.

Guests can enjoy this Black-owned oasis for over 50% off the regular rate, supplying you with a 2-night stay for just $149 plus tax. Although the possibility to get this deal ends on April 15, buyers have one yr to benefit from this never-to-be-repeated offer and participate within the Wanderstay. More information, including the discount code, may be found on Wanderstay’s social media accounts.

To highlight this recent offer, BLACK ENTERPRISES spoke with Mathis in a fast Q&A session about pursuing her wildest dreams, securing funding, and the hostel community.

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How to get from the hostel to the hotel? It looks as if a very different ball game.

We opened the hostel in 2018. I made history because the first black woman to run and own a hostel within the US, but I already knew then that I desired to expand my hotel brand. As I got older, other travelers did it too and also you realize that hostels are mainly great while you’re younger. When I used to be older, I wanted something more upscale that would not break the bank. So I created a hotel that met what my friends and I were now searching for.

Explain your purpose and mission at Wanderstay. Many people hear the word “hostel” and have some negative associations in mind. How do you combat and dismantle the narrative? What could make a hostel feel prefer it’s five-star?

When we first opened, people asked, “Why a hostel and why Houston?” I replied, “Why not?” Honestly, there was no hostel option. I take a look at the statistics; There are plenty of tourists and events in Houston, but there are not any options for this kind of accommodation. When it involves breaking the stereotype, I didn’t need to do much because our target market, hostelers, were searching for us. But I still love introducing it to Black and brown individuals who would otherwise never give it some thought.

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How has this experience before the COVID-19 pandemic shaped your enterprise journey?

We opened at a really special moment. Before the pandemic broke out, we had only been in business for a yr and a half. We just needed to turn around hard and we did it in a short time. We are positioned two miles from the medical center so we could accommodate nurses and family visitors. We all the time tell people who when the going gets tough, take into consideration how you may change to save lots of your enterprise. We maintain our brand standards of cleanliness and community, and folks proceed to make use of us.

Can you explain your view on raising equity funding for this enterprise, especially when this avenue for Black women entrepreneurs is in danger??

So I fully funded each of my projects with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, which is a unicorn, right? First of all, as within the case of the hostel, many start-ups use SBA loans, including people who open businesses in specific, area of interest industries. I used to be in the suitable place at the suitable time. When I moved to Houston, I began networking and met as many individuals as I could.

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In 2016, I entered as many pitching competitions as I could. I did about 18 – and won all of them. People then began to take notice. So after I began searching for money for my business, I had local banks willing to support me. When I had my second location, I picked up the phone and said, “Hey, I’m ready to grow,” and the banks said, “OK, let’s do it.” So I tell people, if you happen to want an SBA loan, be energetic in your city and tell people what you do.

What experiences have you ever delivered to your guests? How do you would like to influence and shape the best way Black people travel?

I really like how most days I sit at my desk and talk over with my guests. They are so pleased with me and completely satisfied after they discover we’re Black owned. When you provide good customer support, skin color doesn’t matter, but guests know that you just appear like them they usually’re much more excited to share your story. We have also implemented many security measures to make sure this safety.

We are a hotel, but what we actually offer is a spot for the community.

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What was the most important obstacle you overcame to realize this dream? Has it ever felt unattainable? What do you’ve gotten to say to other Black women who’ve lofty dreams?

Sometimes I believe: wow, not only did I even have this dream, but I made it come true. Not once, but twice… but I need people to realize it wasn’t easy. In 2014 I made a decision to open it and toiled for 4 and a half years. I didn’t earn or receive any rewards. But I made business plans, checked my funds and made contacts. Four years of achieving this goal gave me every part I needed when it got here time to finally open.

You bring the world to you with Wanderstay. What do you wish them to go away with?

We have so many things in common on this world, but I believe all of us feel alone and disconnected. When people can look me in the attention and talk over with me, they get something out of it. You do not get this in traditional hotels. I need people to go away Wanderstay feeling like they’ve just left a family or friend behind and might’t wait to see them again.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Travel

The USA Black Travellers is now represented by the $ 145 billion market

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American Airlines, kidnapping, travel, travelers, airline


Companies in the travel and entertainment industry are encouraged to involve the growing power of black travelers.

New MMGY Travel Intelligence studies, presented in cooperation with Black Travel Alliance and National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, revealed The indisputable fact that black tourists bring the $ 145 billion sector, emphasizing the value of attraction of a more diverse customer base.

In recent years, Black Leisure Travellers exerted an excellent impact on the travel market, bringing $ 145 billion in 2023, and expenses provide for a median of $ 2,992 for a journey in 2025, including 1300 USD per person.

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“The data shown in these reports talk about the importance of black travelers,” said Martyque Lewis, president Black Travel Alliance. “It is also the wake of many destinations that consider adapting their current commitment strategy.”

In particular, 76% of black travelers plan to vacation in the US in 2025. Among them, 79% claims that the sense of security and welcome is the highest priority when selecting a destination. Places that remember black culture support black firms and offer extensive cultural experience, occupy the highest amongst the preferred places of travelers.

Elections vary depending on the generation, and the Black Millennium tends to decide on travel places that remember black culture and lift black firms, while genes with the I boomer travelers prioritize prioritize affordability when making decisions about booking.

“Once again, the data is clear: blacks travel and our shopping force affects the community,” said Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meetings of Professionals. “This should not be a question anymore, but the fact and point of speaking in all conference rooms, especially in this climate of indecision.”

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Black travelers often depend on recommendations from family and friends when selecting destinations, and 46% also belong to black travel groups. They also prioritize quality, and 87% claims that able to pay additional premium improvements, resembling higher hotel stays or preferred air seats.

The discoveries emphasize the significant strength of the spending of black travelers and their concentrate on safety and luxury when selecting destinations. Because holiday travel is becoming more related to general mood, many settle on a greater experience. For firms on travel and entertainment, this is the foremost opportunity to benefit from the growing value of the black travel market.

“Creating memories, relaxing and exploring new destinations, while a sense of security is the most important for today’s black travelers,” said Simon Moriarty, vp for research and evaluation for MMGY Travel Intelligence.

“By offering useful observations, these research enables traveling companies to develop adapted strategies and solutions that resonate with the needs of every audience, propelling both personalization and profitability.”

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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For the first time in Portugal? This is why Lisbon – and this hotel – should be your first stop

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If you visit Portugal for the first time and land in Lisbon, the capital of the country, selecting the right hotel is the key to starting things on the right foot. Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) is the vibrant Vibey metropolis, which borders on water and has seven large hills in the heart of motion.

While quite a few accommodation options ranges from Airbnbs to super low-cost hostels, for those who are in search of peace, selecting a hotel is a really solid alternative. Of all hotels in the city, International design hotel (IDH), 4 -star boutique property in the city with “Clean and protected“The assessment from the Portugal of the Tourist Council is a particular.

Location, location, location
Located in the heart of the historical Squarea Rossio (Alias ​​Plaza D. Pedro IV), Idh sits at the center of the motion, surrounded by stunning vintage buildings with modern stores akin to Nike, Mango and Maxmanar right on the street. Zara, a favourite of American travelers, is situated opposite the entrance from the hotel, if it’s essential run a captivating outfit for the evening in the city.

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If you do not know Lisbon and get nervous about discovering, be sure – there are numerous to see just a number of steps.

The hotel is situated on the corner of the energetic cobbled streets, with one closed strip for cars and full of restaurants, souvenir shops and landmarks like Arco Da Rua August. Other districts, akin to Chiado, Bairro Alto and the famous Castle of St. George’s, are easy to succeed in (and in the case of the castle, in response to your opinion).

If you haven’t any guide or map, for those who haven’t got it – you are in the middle of all of it.

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Comfort and creative design
As the name suggests, the Internacional Design Hotel provides aesthetics. The staff greets you with a sublime emerald lobby desk, with brilliant artworks.

Despite the historical external appearance, the hotel offers a modern boutique atmosphere – unlike massive hotel chains. Instead of a crowded lobby and elevators, expect one stylish elevator that comfortably matches three people.

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The rooms are artistic and well equipped with a regular layout, desk, television, mini-bar and high ceilings. The bathrooms are modern, containing full showers. We stopped in a regular room, but for those who need extra space, the apartments can be found and have great grades.

Editor’s attention: Unlike most American hotels, mini-bar prices were surprisingly reasonably priced. Snacks and drinks don’t send the account.

Another profit? Large bathing towels and hand towels (as a substitute of small common washers in American hotels). If you favor a smaller fabric, ask the reception or bring your own.

Tasty brunch at the bottom
Idh functions, restaurant and bar on the first floor with a delicious breakfast spread at the start of the day. The price is an especially reasonably priced price 15 euros.

In an actual Portuguese way of baking, they shine. Expect mini -tubes, croissants, toast, rolls, cupcakes, apple danks and beloved pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts). You will copy, sweet and light-it is a necessity and present wherever you go in Portugal.

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The menu also includes eggs, bacon (note: more like a skinny, fried ham than American bacon), cereal flakes, milk, juices, tea and espresso.

Glass partitions provide a full view of the street while eating-ideal for individuals who follow people (and a friendly nod from other black travelers passing like us).

All new travel requirements that you need to know in 2025

Modern convenience in a historic city
Do you wish a contact solution at midnight? We tried it and Uber Eats delivered it in lower than 20 minutes. This is the central IDH.

When it was time to go to the airport, Ubers and taxis were also available outside, and we arrived at the airport in Lisbon in about 20 minutes.

Wi-Fi reliably operated from the lobby, and nearby stores offered European adapters for American chargers.

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Even if the city seems latest as a traveler, the hotel offers comfort, ease and sense of home.

The charm of the Old World is met with a living history
There is something transport in Square Idh. Although America may be known “Nowy Świat”, Lisbon history layers are inconceivable to disregard.

After the destructive earthquake, Tsunami and Fire hit the city in at some point in 1755, Lisbon needed to rebuild – and it did so beautifully.

The surrounding architecture is each elegant and neat, and the reminders of the colonial past of Portugal contained in statues for previous rulers and explorers invite reflection and real learning.

Because the city was built on seven hills, Lisbon is really a city stuffed with winding alleys, hand -arranged tiles and breathtaking views. This makes your stay in the Internet Design Hotel is rather more attractive since you don’t need a automotive or expensive transport to maneuver and see what the capital of Portugal has to supply.

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Our assessment?

5 things I learned about traveling with children to foreign lands

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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American Airlines under the fire after Black Passnger claims that she was the only one in the first grade, the food was refused

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American Airlines, TikTok, First Class, Discrimination, passenger,


American Airlines is in the face of the heat after a black thicker claimed that she was the only first -rate passenger that denies food.

The influencer whose account name is @johbidoo_official shared her story with Tiktok. The film showed a particularly empty table of one that normally had the first class of amenities. The clip quickly gained over 4.8 million views and caused others to discuss the racism they encountered from the airline.

“When you are the only black person in the first grade, and the food apparently ended … Well, thank you American Airlines,” she wrote in the film.

According to the creator of the content of the lifestyle, the flight attendant expressed that the plane There was no food. However, taking into consideration the price point for a first -class ticket, many found this problem unacceptable, he informed.

“First class and exhaustion should not even be in the same sentence,” said one of the users of Tiktok.

Other commentators noticed how airlines normally follow passengers to supply enough food. This insistence meant that the authenticity of the flight attendant claim is questioned, telling the problem to report the problem to the thistker.

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“I work with such a service for another airline and I can guarantee that there will be food. Report it !!!” He called one other.

Other thickets have drawn detailed details about their very own experience in the first grade traveling, while black. One woman shared how she received a grimy appearance when observers believed that she was in the fallacious line.

“I flew the first class and I was the only black woman there,” explained the commentator. “They assumed that I was in the wrong line. I looked all the time. It was wild.”

American Airlines had earlier problems with racist treatment reported by passengers. The airline is currently in the face of the trial after its employees accused the black man of trading their white wife.

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The airline recently resolved the case for racial discrimination in December 2024 after three black men accused their flight attendants of improper removal of them from the plane in January this 12 months. In the light of a long-lasting problem, raised since 2017, NAACP he cried American Airlines to answer ongoing allegations of racism.

In relation to this last attack of the alleged racism, American Airlines also made a public statement confirming that they contacted the thicketker about her experience.

“We want all our clients to have a positive experience while traveling with us,” said the airline. “We contacted the client to learn more about their experience.”

The thicker also confirmed that he’s in communication with the airline in this matter.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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