Episodes

  • The Tourism Economic Power of the CIAA Basketball Tournament

    The Tourism Economic Power of the CIAA Basketball Tournament
    Oct 13 2024
    The podcast "This is beyond the brochure: This is B.A.T.E" Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics explores the rich legacy and impact of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament, a historic event celebrating Black excellence through sports and culture. S The Best sheds light on the history of the tournament, its significance in promoting talent from historically Black colleges and universities, and its overall cultural impact. The host also delves into the economic growth spurred by the tournament in Charlotte and Baltimore, highlighting that the event's participants also engage in local attractions, making the whole experience a vibrant cultural escapade. The episode reveals how the CIAA Tournament has served as a powerful tourism driver, successfully creating a balance between sports and local culture.
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    9 mins
  • Deidre Mathis – Pioneering Black-Owned Lodging in the U.S.

    Deidre Mathis – Pioneering Black-Owned Lodging in the U.S.
    Oct 13 2024
    This episode of "This is beyond the brochure: This is B.A.T.E" hosted by S Tha Best navigates the inspiring journey of Deidre Mathis, the first Black woman to establish a hostel in the U.S. Titled Wanderstay, this hostel symbolizes a significant breakthrough in the hospitality industry, traditionally dominated by white ownership. The show delves into Mathis’ commitment to making travel accessible to all, her influence as a Black female entrepreneur, and the significant impact of Wanderstay on Houston's tourism scene. Mathis' venture offers affordable and culturally rich lodging options, ultimately democratizing travel and fostering a diverse and welcoming tourism landscape. The host invites listeners to support such forward-thinking establishments that contribute to inclusivity, representation and economic stimulation.
    • Best Private & Shared Rooms - Wanderstay Houston Hostel
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    11 mins
  • Full Circle Expeditions—Black Hikers Reaching New Heights

    Full Circle Expeditions—Black Hikers Reaching New Heights
    Oct 13 2024
    The episode of 'This is beyond the brochure: This is B.A.T.E.' Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics, hosted by S The Best, highlights the inspiring story of Full Circle Expeditions, the first all-Black group to conquer Mount Everest, and their pioneering role in inclusive adventure travel. The episode covers their missions to break down barriers in outdoor and hiking experiences, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of background. They discuss the rise of tourism in the Everest region and the importance of ethical tourism, focusing on fair treatment of local Sherpas and respect for local cultures. Notably, the episode emphasizes Full Circle Expeditions' mission and impact on changing the perception of Black travelers in adventure sports, shattering stereotypical narratives. The podcast ends by highlighting the ways listeners can directly support Full Circle Expeditions' mission through donations, furthering their inclusive outdoor initiatives.
    • HOME | Full Circle Expeditions
    • All-Black group makes history by summiting Mount Everest | CNN
    • The first all-Black climbing team has summited Everest | Adventure.com
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    13 mins
  • The Adventure Continues—How to Support Black Travel Influencers

    The Adventure Continues—How to Support Black Travel Influencers
    Oct 12 2024
    In this episode of 'This is beyond the brochure: This is B.A.T.E,' Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics hosted by S The Best, the topic of Black travel influencers is explored. The podcast brings to light the power of Black travel influencers in shaping the travel industry. The host discusses the unique experiences and obstacles faced by Black travelers, their noteworthy contributions to the U.S. travel economy, and the significance of their representation in the travel world. The focus shifts to how the audience can support these influencers and the important role of brands and destination markers in this regard. The recording further delves into the Black travel influencers' community-building activities and their potential for the travel industry. The episode concludes with a recap of the discussion and a reminder to listeners to continue supporting these extraordinary voices.
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    12 mins
  • Tuskegee University’s New Aviation Program and the Future of Black Pilots

    Tuskegee University’s New Aviation Program and the Future of Black Pilots
    Oct 12 2024
    The podcast discusses Tuskegee University's groundbreaking aviation program - the first of its kind at an HBCU. The podcast emphasizes the significance of this program to foster diversity in the field, citing that less than 2% of commercial aviators in the U.S. are Black. It speaks to the larger societal implications, such as challenging harmful stereotypes and paving the way for more young Black individuals to aspire to aviation careers. The script also pays tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, connecting their historical impact on racial barriers in the field to the potential future impact of Tuskegee's program. The podcast ends by discussing the broader benefits of having more Black pilots; including role-modeling, improved travel experiences, increased industry innovation, and a transformation of aviation culture to be more inclusive and representative.
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    8 mins
  • Exploring the Black Roots of Rio’s ‘Little Africa’

    Exploring the Black Roots of Rio’s ‘Little Africa’
    Oct 11 2024
    In this episode of 'Beyond the Brochure: This is B.A.T.E., Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics,' S The Best takes listeners on a journey through 'Little Africa,' a culturally-rich community in Rio de Janeiro created by freed and escaped slaves in the 19th century. From the birthplace of samba to colorful murals telling stories of struggle and triumph, the podcast explores the local culture and history. S The Best highlights the importance of tourism to the local economy and preserving its unique Afro-Brazilian heritage. The episode also stresses the importance of mindful and respectful traveling that impacts the community positively, emphasizing support for local businesses and thoughtful engagement with local guides. The episode concludes with a call to action for travelers to seek out destinations that honor, preserve, and celebrate Black heritage and uplift local communities.
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    12 mins
  • Emmett Till: A Legacy, A Lesson, A Memorial

    Emmett Till: A Legacy, A Lesson, A Memorial
    Oct 11 2024
    In the podcast episode titled 'This is beyond the brochure: This is B.A.T.E. Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics,' host S The Best explores the significant role of tourism in preserving and honoring Black history and culture, with a specific focus on the story of Emmett Till. She discusses the initiative to restore the barn where Emmett Till was tortured as a memorial inside the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, emphasizing the importance of confronting the cruel truths of the past for continued growth and learning. S also delves into the economic benefits of civil rights tourism, highlighting how it boosts local economies and contributes to the preservation of essential historical narratives. She concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of Black tourists in reclaiming narratives, and underscores that their presence, support, and travel choices help to sustain important historical narratives. This podcast sheds light on how tourism, while serving as an instrument of education and remembrance, also creates economic opportunities and supports the telling of a more inclusive history.
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    11 mins
  • Intro to tourism for black tourists

    Intro to tourism for black tourists
    Aug 11 2024
    In the inaugural episode of 'This is Beyond the Brochure: This is B.A.T.E. Blacks Advancing Tourism Economics,' host S The Best provides insights into the definition of tourism, the role of tourists, and tourism's impact on the economy. She emphasizes that tourism refers to journeys that allow engagement with different cultures and experiences while highlighting that tourists are diverse people whose spending fuels local economies. The episode further dives into the economic interplay of tourism, explaining how tourist spending generates business growth, job creation, and infrastructural development. Most significantly, S discusses the powerful influence of Black tourists, whose spending choices can drive cultural and economic empowerment and shift the tourism landscape towards inclusion and diversity.
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    9 mins