EDI Case Study: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) understands that combating systemic racism and confronting racial injustice begins with internal reflection. GMCVB remains committed to addressing inequality and promoting the destination with intentional diversity at the forefront.
Several ongoing initiatives dating back to 1991 include:
Multicultural Tourism & Development Department (MTDD): Created in 2015 as a new department within the GMCVB, its mission is to promote the diversity of Miami’s multicultural communities, attractions and events. The MTDD leads efforts and collaborates with all internal departments to ensure there is a diversity and inclusion footprint on programming. The MTDD has a designated Advisory Committee that includes select GMCVB Board members and community stakeholders to help guide programing ideas and diversity initiatives.
LGBTQ+: Miami Begins with Me with LGBTQ+ Diversity & Inclusion Customer Service Champion program is a free training program for Miami’s hospitality industry which aims to empower hospitality professionals on ways to engage with LGBTQ+ customers. GMCVB’s LGBTQ+ marketing department collaborates with the local LGBTQ+ community to develop results-oriented programs that highlight the destination’s ability to effectively host conferences and groups.
Miami Shines: Miami Arts, Culture and Heritage Months serves as a cornerstone of Miami Shines, a comprehensive travel and tourism recovery program to promote Greater Miami and the Beaches to locals and encourage vacationing in their backyard. It also coincides with the kick-off of Art of Black Miami, a year-round marketing program honoring visual arts of the black diaspora.
Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI): Established in 1991 to advance economic participation of Black Americans in the hospitality and tourism industry through educational scholarships. BHI has awarded 450+ scholarships and raised more than $3.5 million in scholarship funds and in-kind services. A portion of the funding comes from an annual Hospitality Open Golf Tournament (H.O.T. Challenge).
"The organization took time to listen to employees, business partners and the larger community."
Connie Kinnard
Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau