Thursday, May 23
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session V
Did you know the African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American and Lesbian/Gay/Bi-Sexual/Transgender (LGBT) markets are the fastest growing segments in the U.S. tourism industry?
What are their interests and attitudes towards leisure travel? Get the keys to understanding these segments, define opportunities, and learn how to pitch publications that target multicultural travel trends such as luxury travel, cruises, golfing, shopping, dining, arts and culture, beaches and visiting family and friends.
Kelsy Chauvin is a contributor at Curve. Her reporting career kicked off at age 12 with an exclusive on wacky earrings in her middle-school newspaper. A few years later at age 15, she took her first trip abroad to Uzbekistan — a journey that sparked a lifelong thirst to see the world. Today, the southern Louisiana native is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in travel and assorted feature coverage, primarily in the LGBT market. She also has written for Frommer’s Travel Guides since 2006, and has authored half of the New York City guidebook since 2008. Kelsy’s favorite quote, from writer Susan Sontag, perfectly sums up her travel philosophy: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
Sandra I. Velazquez is a contributor at American Airlines Nexos.
David Lang is a travel contributor at Sing Tao Daily News and The World Journal.
Sonya A. Lowery is a travel writer at Upscale. Connect with Sonya on Twitter.