Louisville Tourism is unveiling several initiatives that assess and improve racial and minority imbalances inside and outside the organization. Developed over the last year, Louisville Tourism is striving for a fall marketing launch of its new campaigns to highlight Muhammed Ali tourism and Black influence in the bourbon and horse racing industries.

To help shape the programming, Louisville Tourism is developing a Black Tourism Advisory Council. Members of the community will be invited to join the conversation about inclusivity in the hospitality industry. The first meeting will address systemic racism and how to improve Louisville’s hospitality organizations and overall destination experience.

“As a Black professional who has worked hard to be in a position of leadership in my industry, I have experienced and seen my share of racial inequality,” said Cleo Battle, COO, Louisville Tourism. “The time is now to make changes in our industry for the future and I proudly join my colleagues in helping to lead the conversation forward.”

Louisville Tourism will also review and address organizational culture with a thorough review of practices regarding diversity in hiring, employee education and ways to work with a more inclusive variety of vendors, as well as increase diversity in marketing collateral. New educational opportunities for the staff will be provided through Decide Diversity.

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