283 | Seizing the Moment: Black hotel owners and investors see opportunity to prosper
Summary: In a recent Zoom conference hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, hospitality entrepreneur Kristin Kitchen talked about her lodging company that showcases Black heritage and supports minority-owned companies.<br> Kitchen is part of a trend toward building hospitality ventures related to Black history and culture, a sub-sector of the $200 billion global Heritage Tourism movement, which also ranks as the fastest-growing travel trend in America.<br> As with most hospitality ventures, Kitchen and her company, Sojourn Heritage Accommodations, are struggling to do business amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the effort to increase the number of Black-owned hotels continues, albeit at a reduced pace.<br> During the business lull, two entrepreneurs new to the scene are developing fresh concepts that celebrate Black culture and cater to the next generation of travelers.<br> In this episode of Lodging Leaders we feature Damon Lawrence, founder of Homage Hospitality Group in Oakland, California, and Robin Staten, founder of Tiny Urban Escapes in Indianapolis, Indiana. They share their visions for independent boutique accommodations and how they’re preparing to capitalize on pent-up demand during and after the coronavirus crisis.<br> Resources and Links<br> <br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-staten-098a28147/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robin Staten</a> of <a href="https://www.tinyurbanescapes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tiny Urban Escapes</a><br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hauspitality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Damon Lawrence</a> of <a href="https://www.anewkindofhospitality.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Homage Hospitality Group</a><br> * The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYPFYBMYfbs&list=PLl1lds5yfGOXTrsZay0H2FQmzEnoHq1DX&index=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">webcast</a> featuring Kristin Kitchen and several others representing Black hotel owners and supporters<br> <br>
