Highlighting Black Travel Advisors and Their Accomplishments

Image: couple getting a professional consultation. (photo via kate_sept2004 / Getty Images)
Image: couple getting a professional consultation. (photo via kate_sept2004 / Getty Images)
Brenda O’Neale
by Brenda O’Neale
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Sun February 4, 2024

Meet Marcus Williams

The visionary owner of Impressive Travels Travel Agency based in vibrant Houston, Texas. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Williams specializes in curating destination weddings and group travel adventures. Annually, he hosts two exclusive group trips with the spirited Impressive Travel Travel Junkies, aiming to increase that to three in 2024.

Beyond crafting dream getaways, Williams is dedicated to fostering connections and community. Each year, he organizes a domestic and international group trip for African American males, promoting the normalization of black brotherhood and highlighting the transformative power of travel. Marcus extends his impact by collaborating with Cherry On Top Youth Center LLC, where he educates inner-city kids on the transformative power of travel and works with local entrepreneurs and clients to sponsor 10+ kids a year to Experience travel via cruise ship. Williams is not just a travel enthusiast; he's a catalyst for meaningful journeys and community enrichment. He was recently named to the Board of GTM (Global Travel Marketplace.)

Meet Belvin Baldwin II

Showtime Travel designs luxury vacations for busy professionals, so all they have to do is show up. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry,  Baldwin is a luxury travel agency owner and a proud recipient of prestigious awards for my dedication and expertise.

His journey has been revamped by innovation and adaptability, enabling him to flourish even amidst the ever-changing dynamics of the post-COVID era. He takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their vacation goals exceed expectations, and leaving them with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Most clients use him for celebratory travel, i.e., birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, honeymoons, etc. As a committed advocate for diversity and representation in the travel industry, Belvin proudly serves on the Black Travel Advisors Board, a part of the NorthStar Travel Group. This platform allows him to contribute his insights and work towards a more inclusive and vibrant future in luxury travel.

With immense gratitude, the renowned Robb Report has recognized him as one of the top Black Luxury Travel Advisors. This acknowledgment reaffirms his passion for delivering unparalleled experiences tailored to his client's desires and vacation goals.

As for philanthropy, giving back to the local community is essential to him. One of his recent projects was opening a computer lab in Ghana to help close the digital divide.

Diana Hayes.

Diana Hayes. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group Media)

Meet Diana Hayes

Hayes is the owner and CEO of Diva Getaways, an Atlanta-based travel agency established in 2001. After 13 years in the travel industry, she created Promoters United, a collaborative travel group led by agents nationwide. They mesh well because they all share a common goal: to host trips and other travel-related events, uplifting each other's businesses and giving clients a chance to see the world with like-minded travelers. 

After a few years of success, Promoters United has expanded and joined forces with well-respected DJs, comedians, hosts, musical artists, influencers, and more. Today, one of her most outstanding achievements year after year is allowing various small businesses and independent talents to showcase what they do best, all while building new relationships and networking with people worldwide.

They are ecstatic to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2024 and look forward to welcoming other agents, entertainers, and more to join us on our journey. Diana supports New Life of New York, a non-profit organization that supports inner-city youths.

Meet Cynthia Hayes

Hayes is the owner of Hayes Executive Travel Service in Texas. Her agency is a full-service agency with significant business and VIP clients. Her agency is also one of the few that still issue tickets. Hayes' clients include an NBA team and several major corporations.

She has arranged travel for groups ranging from 50 to 10,000 guests. She has successfully managed all of their travel requirements. Being well-traveled, Hayes enjoys sharing her experiences with her clients. Excellent customer service combined with modern technology set Hayes Executive Travel Service among the best in the industry. She is integral in building and maintaining partner relationships and establishing operational excellence.

They provide travel management services worldwide and have grown and prospered with an account base that includes local and Fortune 500 companies. They support the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and donate to the Children's Advocacy Center of Colin County. This organization supports and provides counseling services to the local community. 

Debbie Hines Brown.

Debbie Hines Brown. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group Media)

Meet Debra Brown

Brown is the President and Luxury Travel Designer at SmartBird World Travel. SmartBird World Travel/SB World Luxe Travel sets itself apart from other agencies as a retail storefront agency in Atlanta and focuses on curating bespoke culturally immersive travel experiences in each segment of its target client base.

With a physical location, they host destination-focused events and lend credibility and professionalism to their agency as a brick-and-mortar location. This resonates particularly well with luxury clients and past DIY travelers who now seek professional assistance with COVID-19. Brown works with the moderate, luxury, and ultra-luxury FIT, Group, and Incentive/Corporate Retreat Markets. Their goal is to develop long-term relationships with clients through the value-added proposition of a consultative approach to matching them to their idea of paradise.

Her agency is also set apart by the resources it brings to bear due to the relationships it establishes and maintains with suppliers, advisors, and tourism organizations worldwide. Her product knowledge is extensive through the destination and supplier training, and familiarization travel our advisors participate in. She supports Kids’ Doc On Wheels. They aim to ensure increased access to high-quality and preventive care in the children's communities. The program services children through 18 years old.


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Jen Mallia

Jen Mallia

Senior Editor

Jen Mallia is an Edmonton-based writer, editor, and Oxford comma apologist. She is a former senior editor of the CAA/AMA Insider magazines and has written for a host of publications, including The Globe and Mail. National Post, The Guardian, Today's Parent, and InStyle. 

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