N.Y.’s African-American cultural sites part of new tourism campaign

ALBANY — New York is shining a spotlight on the state’s African-American history and cultural sites as part of a new tourism campaign.

In honor of Black History Month, Gov. Hochul announced a new initiative on Friday meant to draw attention to the state’s Black-owned businesses and restaurants as well as the Empire State’s wealth of historic sites related to the civil rights movement, the underground railroad and more.

The governor singled out historical figures, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, who either lived or spent time in the state as she touted the new “I LOVE NY Black travel initiative.”

“Every New Yorker needs to go experience that firsthand and be in awe of what individuals have done, who believe so deeply, not in their own security, their own safety, but are willing to break out to save other people and give them a better life. In that case, a life of freedom,” she said of Tubman during an announcement at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. “That’s why we’re doing this.”

The new initiative will promote New York as a vacation destination for Black travelers and includes plans for a dedicated presence on the I LOVE NY website, a promotional campaign and new programming meant to encourage visitors and their families to experience New York’s African-American culture, food, arts and events.

Hochul noted New York’s rich cultural and historical significance as the birthplace of hip hop, the home to dozens of underground railroad sites and pointed to Black-owned eateries like Sylvia’s Restaurant of Harlem as she presented a short video featuring many of the state’s famed locations.

“So, we’re rolling out the red carpet to travelers near and far, Black travelers, other travelers who want to have a shared experience and highlight our vibrant, extremely vibrant Black culture here,” the governor said.

The annual economic impact of tourism and travel in the state as of 2021 is $85.5 billion, according to the governor’s office.

The tourism and hospitality sector is the state’s third largest industry, supporting one in 10 private sector jobs.

Hochul noted that Black travelers represent more than 13% of the domestic leisure travel market, spending over $109 billion annually.

“New York has so much to offer travelers from across the state and country,” NAACP New York president Hazel Dukes said. “Black communities have been a critical part of the tourism industry for years.”

The new campaign will bolster efforts to draw attention to Black culture, art and heritage sites found throughout the state, including the Jackie Robinson Museum in lower Manhattan, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in upstate Auburn, and the Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo, per the governor’s office.

Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Hope Knight said New York already “embraces its diversity.”

“(W)e want to ensure that visitors from around the world recognize the opportunities to celebrate Black history and heritage throughout the state,” Knight said. “Given the unparalleled depth and variety of attractions here that appeal to Black travelers, this program is a perfect fit to spotlight and showcase these places, stories and people.”