SALEM, Ohio — Louisville Tourism recently undertook a bold, much-needed project when it delivered a live webinar event aimed at the tourism industry with the goal of advancing awareness and discussion of racial inequality. The hourlong event was keynoted by Rasheda Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali.
“In the Ring” was an insightful look at the life and efforts of Muhammad Ali in creating a level playing field for all people, inside and outside the ring. Rasheda Ali added warm, personal touches to the story of her father, who made his fame in the tough world of boxing.
Led by COO Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism designed “In the Ring” as a virtual prelude to the African American Travel Conference, which will be held in Louisville March 30-April 1. But the reach of the virtual event stretched throughout the travel industry.
The Group Travel Family, parent company of the African American Travel Conference, assisted in promoting the event and opened viewership to its group travel industry membership.
“We felt it important to stand by Louisville Tourism with this important message and get as many tourism industry eyes as possible,” said Charlie Presley of The Group Travel Family. The partnership established a nationwide viewership within group travel.
“I am extremely proud of our members who made the effort to join Rasheda Ali and work to move forward,” Presley said. He emphasized the value that group travel planners bring to the table as influencers. “Remember, each group travel planner is a volunteer who has vast outreach in their local community.”
On average, group leaders each have a following of 250 loyal travelers in their circles, and their influence goes far beyond travel. It is estimated that Group Travel Family members who viewed “In the Ring” will bring the message to more than 25,000 active group travelers.
Louisville Tourism gave maximum effort in the promotion of “In the Ring,” not only by enlisting Rashada Ali but also by throwing the weight of staff members Nicole Twigg, vice president of tourism development, and Saundra Robertson, tourism and group sales manager, into the mix.
“Nicole and Saundra utilized their vast tourism knowledge to connect the message directly to our travel industry audience,” Presley said.
“In the Ring” was broadcast live from the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. Donald Lassere welcomed viewers and announced that delegates of the African American Travel Conference will personally experience the facility when the Muhammad Ali Center hosts the conference’s opening dinner May 30.
The travel industry thanks Louisville Tourism for this vast undertaking, and the African American Travel Conference looks forward to calling Louisville home for AATConference2021.
To view “In the Ring,” visit aatconline.com. To attend the African American Travel Conference, call 800-628-0993.
