Published on
November 16, 2025
The Black Travel Summit has revealed Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the host city for its 2026 flagship event, bringing a new dimension to the celebration of Black history, culture, and inclusive tourism. This year’s summit, themed “Renaissance: Rebirth. Renew. Reclaim,” will take place in Milwaukee, a city with a rich Black history and a vibrant ecosystem of Black-owned businesses.
After its successful first international edition in Rio de Janeiro, the Black Travel Summit returns to the United States, spotlighting Milwaukee’s commitment to equity, diversity, and tourism growth. The event is expected to attract travel professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and creators from around the globe to connect, collaborate, and champion Black travelers’ role in the future of the tourism industry.
Milwaukee’s Rich Black Heritage and Growing Tourism Focus
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has been home to a thriving African American community for generations. With cultural institutions like America’s Black Holocaust Museum and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum, Milwaukee offers visitors an opportunity to experience its deep history and Black cultural heritage.
Visit Milwaukee has embraced this history, aligning its tourism strategy with initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and the growth of Black-owned businesses. The city’s Black community, which makes up nearly 60% of its population, is at the heart of these efforts, ensuring that inclusive tourism is prioritized as part of the city’s broader tourism development strategy.
Renaissance: Rebirth. Renew. Reclaim.
The 2026 Black Travel Summit in Milwaukee will explore the intersection of local heritage and global innovation through its programming. This year’s theme, “Renaissance: Rebirth. Renew. Reclaim”, celebrates the cultural vibrancy and resilience of the African diaspora while emphasizing the importance of holistic tourism experiences. The summit will include skills sessions, B2B matchmaking, city experiences, and main-stage conversations, all designed to inspire collaboration and showcase the global Black travel movement.
Key Programming and Signature Moments
The summit will feature several high-profile events, including:
- LaunchPad Accelerator and Pitch Competition: Empowering new Black entrepreneurs in the travel industry.
- Black Travel Film Festival: Celebrating diverse Black stories through film.
- Black Travel Awards Gala: Honoring outstanding contributions to the travel sector from Black travel professionals.
In addition, special collaborations with local Milwaukee creatives and entrepreneurs will be a central part of the event, further embedding the summit’s core values of inclusivity and community building.
A Dynamic Future for Black Travel
The Black Travel Summit plays a crucial role in advancing the conversation about diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. Milwaukee’s selection as the host city underscores the growing recognition of Black travelers as central to shaping the future of tourism. Through initiatives like the Trusted Thailand program and milestone events like this summit, cities and countries are increasingly prioritizing inclusive tourism as a key strategy for sustainable growth and cultural exchange.
Milwaukee’s Role in the Global Black Travel Movement
With Milwaukee now at the center of this global movement, the city is positioned to showcase its dynamic, inclusive atmosphere as a world-class destination for both local cultural innovators and international travelers. As the summit explores how Black heritage and creative entrepreneurship drive innovation in the tourism industry, Milwaukee’s ability to seamlessly blend its historical significance with contemporary culture will serve as a perfect backdrop for the summit’s mission.
Milwaukee: The New Heart of Black Travel
The Black Travel Summit 2026 in Milwaukee is not just a gathering; it is a celebration of heritage, culture, and the future of inclusive tourism. With Milwaukee leading the way, the summit will continue to bring attention to the transformative power of Black travelers and entrepreneurs in the tourism space. Through collaboration and innovation, this event will shape the next chapter of the Black travel movement, fostering connections, empowerment, and lasting impact across the industry.
