The travel industry has seen a notable rise in Black-owned tour companies that cater to the unique needs and experiences of Black travelers. These companies provide safe spaces and foster a sense of community while encouraging cultural connections often overlooked by traditional travel services. Celebrating this trend, the 2025 Travel Noire Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of these tour operators to the Black travel movement.
Nominees for Best Black-Owned Tour Company
Black Girls Travel Too
Founded to empower millennial Black women, Black Girls Travel Too has evolved into an international travel club featuring a community of “travel sisters.” They specialize in creating immersive cultural experiences with small group sizes to ensure authentic connections and meticulous planning. Their South Africa Experience Tour, for instance, offers personalized itineraries that allow travelers to engage deeply with local culture while prioritizing sisterhood and community support.
Dipaways
Established by Dricks Everette, Dipaways focuses on luxury group travel for the Black community. After years of solo travel, Everette founded Dipaways to foster a sense of belonging among Black travelers. Their trips, called "dips," feature five-star accommodations and exclusive cultural activities, enabling travelers to make meaningful connections while also giving back to local communities through initiatives like revitalizing youth centers in Havana.
Luxe Tribes
Chidi Ashley founded Luxe Tribes, originally as a group trip company, which has now become a well-respected global travel brand. The company emphasizes both group travel meet-ups and private experiences, focusing on building friendships and supporting local communities. Under Ashley’s leadership, Luxe Tribes assembles a diverse team of travel professionals to ensure well-planned and detailed experiences for their travelers.
Nomadness Travel Tribe
Evita Robinson’s Nomadness Travel Tribe began as an online community dedicated to increasing representation for Black travelers. It has since grown into a network of over 30,000 members, generating an estimated $50 million annually for the travel industry. The community-first approach allows members to connect over travel, fostering a broader lifestyle centered on global citizenship.
Up In The Air Life
Founded by Claire Soares, a recognized travel specialist, Up In The Air Life is a boutique agency tailored specifically for Black travelers seeking confidence in their travel experiences. Notable trips, like their Kenya and Uganda safari, offer luxurious accommodations and unique adventures, fostering connections among diverse travelers who share similar perspectives.
The official announcement for the Best Black-Owned Tour Company will be made on Wednesday, October 8. For more details, visit the Travel Noire Awards hub.