Zim Flores, founder of Travel Noire, is a prominent figure in the travel industry, known for her advocacy of Black travel experiences. Her journey began with a transformative, yet challenging, experience in India, which inspired her to create a platform for Black travelers to connect and explore.
While studying abroad in India post-college, Flores encountered a stark reality regarding skin tone and representation. She observed advertisements promoting skin-lightening creams and rarely saw people who looked like her during her travels throughout Southeast Asia. This experience motivated her to change the narrative and create a space where Black travelers could be seen and share their stories. In 2013, Travel Noire was born, providing tools, resources, inspiration, and guided tours. Flores led the company as CEO until 2017, when she sold it to Blavity, where it continues to serve Black millennials.
According to a 2018 study by Mandala Research, African Americans spend nearly $63 billion on travel annually. Flores, a frequent traveler, emphasizes the importance of Black representation in the travel space, viewing herself as a “cultural asset.” However, she acknowledges the challenges that often accompany traveling as a Black person, including prejudice, discrimination, and the need to navigate societal perceptions. Despite these obstacles, Flores maintains a deep appreciation for the transformative power of travel.
Drawing on her expertise and experience, Flores recommends several Black-owned travel companies to support.
The Wind Collective hosts group trips that offer a blend of creativity, adventure, and cultural immersion, with themes ranging from nature to food. Flores praises the company’s remarkable imagery and the quality of its experiences.
Dipaways specializes in coordinating private and group getaways. Flores highlights the company’s expertise in experience design and its ability to bring people together.
Airfordable addresses the challenge of expensive flights by allowing travelers to split the cost of their tickets into payment plans. Flores shares a personal anecdote of a friend using the service to travel with their family to France.
Curiocity is a network of African-designed hostels rooted in community, with locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Flores has partnered with Curiocity to create unique experiences and appreciates the hostel’s commitment to local culture.
Siviwe Tours, led by Langa local Siviwe Mbinda, offers guided experiences through Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. Flores credits Mbinda with much of her knowledge of South Africa and praises the company’s commitment to employing local residents and supporting grassroots initiatives.
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