THE STATE OF BLACK TRAVEL 2025: A Movement, A Lifestyle, A Legacy

Black travelers are not just moving through the world—we’re shaping it. From influencing tourism trends to reclaiming narratives about where and how we travel, Black travel is bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.

For years, the industry overlooked us. Now, the numbers tell a different story: Black travelers in the U.S. alone contributed over $109 billion to the travel economy in 2019—and that number is only growing. More than just tourists, we are entrepreneurs, cultural ambassadors, and change-makers carving out space in an industry that hasn’t always made space for us. So, where do we stand in 2025? Let’s talk about it.

Black Travelers Are Running Up the Numbers

We’re outside. A lot. Black travelers take an average of three overnight vacations per year and book over 458 million travel stays annually. What does that mean? It means we’re investing in experiences, curating our own travel lanes, and making sure the world knows we’re here.

Not only do we spend more on travel experiences, but we also travel with intention. Studies show that 23% of Black travelers are more likely to set aside money in dedicated travel savings accounts than the general population. We’re 36% more likely to use digital tools to budget for vacations, ensuring that every trip is well-planned and worth every penny.

🛫 Takeaway: We aren’t just traveling—we’re strategically investing in our own joy, cultural connections, and global experiences.

We’re Choosing Destinations That Speak to Us

Safety and community matter. It’s no secret that traveling while Black comes with challenges, from racial profiling to a lack of representation in travel marketing. But we’ve learned to move smarter, not harder.

44% of Black travelers consider cultural and racial diversity when choosing a destination—because nobody has time to feel unwelcome on vacation.
70% of us are more likely to visit places that actively promote inclusivity.
City escapes reign supreme, with 45% of Black travelers preferring urban destinations filled with culture, music, and food that speaks to our souls.

What does this mean? Black travelers are seeking out destinations where we can feel safe, celebrated, and seen. And the smart cities, resorts, and tourism boards are taking notes.

Heritage Travel Is on the Rise

For many, travel isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about rediscovering roots. Nearly 50% of Black travelers are prioritizing destinations connected to their ancestry, a number 16% higher than the general population. Whether it’s tracing lineage in West Africa, exploring the Caribbean’s deep history, or immersing in Black culture across Europe and South America, we’re turning our passports into tools for self-discovery.

Trending Heritage Travel Destinations:

✔ Ghana – "Year of Return" inspired a wave of heritage trips to West Africa

✔ Colombia – The Palenque region tells a powerful story of African resistance

✔ Brazil – Bahia is a cultural mecca for Afro-Brazilian history and heritage

Why It Matters: We’re not just travelers—we’re storytellers reconnecting with legacies that were meant to be lost.

Black Women Are Leading the Travel Movement

One thing about us? We don’t wait for the perfect moment—we create it. Whether traveling solo for self-discovery or gathering the crew for a group getaway, Black women are shaping the future of travel.

Solo Travel: Embracing Freedom & Self-Care

More Black women than ever are taking the leap into solo travel, inspired by trailblazers like Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to visit every country. What was once seen as intimidating is now viewed as empowering, healing, and transformative.

But let’s be real—there’s nothing like a girls' trip or a well-planned group getaway. From milestone birthdays to wellness retreats, Black women are prioritizing curated travel experiences that allow them to relax, explore, and build deeper connections.

What’s fueling this trend?

More travel collectives and Black-owned agencies curating trips just for us
A focus on celebrating achievements and life milestones
The joy of sharing experiences with like-minded women who get it

Moral of the Story? Sis, book the trip.

We’re Taking Up Space in the Travel Industry

For too long, the travel industry ignored us. Now? We are the industry.

In October 2024, an all-Black airline crew operated flights from the UK, making history for Black representation in aviation.

The Black Travel Summit continues to expand, providing platforms for networking, professional development, and data-driven insights into Black travel trends.

More Black-owned travel brands, tour companies, and influencers are creating spaces for us to travel authentically.

Black travelers are no longer just consumers—we’re innovators, creators, and business owners reshaping the industry from within.

The Future of Black Travel Looks Bright

The world is catching up to what we’ve known all along: Black travelers are powerful. Our influence is undeniable, our dollars speak volumes, and our experiences deserve visibility.

The next chapter of Black travel is about ownership, community, and legacy. Whether we’re luxury traveling, budget backpacking, or heritage exploring, we are carving out lanes for ourselves and future generations.

Now, let’s hear from you! Where’s your next destination? What Black-owned travel brands or destinations are on your radar? Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌍✈️