The Black Travel Summit will be held in Cotonou, the capital of Benin, in 2027, organizers announced on October 17, 2026, at the Black Travel Awards Gala in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in the United States by Anita Moreau in 2019, the summit was previously hosted in Rio de Janeiro in 2025 and Milwaukee in 2026. The decision to select Benin as the 2027 location followed initial discussions during the 2025 event in Rio de Janeiro.
Summit Focus and Partnerships
The 2027 Black Travel Summit will emphasize international exchange and business collaboration within the global Black travel community. Benin Tourism is partnering with the summit
organizers to facilitate the event. Research from the Black Travel Alliance and MMGY Travel Intelligence reported that Black American leisure travelers made 184.12 million trips in 2023, contributing approximately US$145 billion in spending. The summit aims to leverage this market data to expand travel and tourism opportunities.
Strategic Goals for Africa and Diaspora Connections
Hosting the summit in Cotonou marks the first time the event will take place in Africa, aiming to enhance connections between the continent and the global Black diaspora. The 2027 edition seeks to foster cross-border partnerships and support market development initiatives. Dates and program details for the summit will be announced later by
Black Travel Summit and Benin Tourism.
