[[{“value”:”Reading Time: 2 minutes
The 30th anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival took center stage in New Orleans this past weekend, as Travel Divas made history with over 300 women embarking on the largest girls’ trip to the annual festival held from July 4th to 7th.
The festivities began with an energetic welcome reception at the Westin, featuring Grammy-nominated artist and New Orleans native, Big Freedia. Big Freedia engaged in a special dialogue with event host Brandy Woods and hosted an exhilarating dance competition, where the winner received concert tickets for all three nights. Throughout the weekend, the Divas enjoyed headline concerts by Janet Jackson, Usher, and Cash Money, traveling in luxury aboard a custom Travel Divas bus.
According to ESSENCE, “If trips of opulence with fellow Black women sound like your vibe, look no further than Travel Divas.”
Founder Shanterria Earley echoed this sentiment in her welcome reception remarks. “This weekend you will celebrate yourself,” she shared. “You deserve room service. You deserve some days where you don’t make your bed. You need this break.”
Travel Divas, a community of over 600,000 professional Black women, has made a significant impact since 2021, spending over $38 million on trips and organizing over 756 journeys to 61 countries. The organization began with bus trips to New Orleans.
Annually, Travel Divas hosts over 100 travel events globally. Despite their wide array of destinations, the ESSENCE Festival remains a cornerstone. Since 2009, Travel Divas has brought over 900 women to the festival. This year marked their largest gathering yet, with over 300 women in attendance.
“This festival is deeply personal for me,” shares founder Shanterria Earley. “Growing up, ESSENCE Magazine was a staple in my household. The ESSENCE Festival brings the magazine to life. All those years of flipping through its pages culminate in this vibrant in-person experience in New Orleans.”
Travel not only creates lasting memories but can also strengthen and extend our lives. Research shows that travel can boost mental health and reduce stress. “Whether it’s sitting on a safari in South Africa, having lunch on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, enjoying tea at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, or walking the streets of Tokyo in a kimono, Travel Divas takes women from the familiar to new places where they can breathe in and experience another culture,” Earley adds.
“Seeing 114 fabulous Black women travel to Dubai was triggering for some and disrupted what they thought we were capable of,” shares Travel Divas Community Director Michelle Thames. “We are proud to provide a safe space for Black women to travel. Safety is top of mind while ensuring our Divas have a good time.”
Following their girls’ trip, Travel Divas raved about their incredible experience at the ESSENCE Festival, with many already planning ahead for next year’s event. The trip concluded with a lively hip-hop brunch in the French Quarter. With over 700 successful trips under their belt, Travel Divas continues to lead the way for Black women travelers everywhere.
The post Travel Divas Set New Record at ESSENCE Festival’s 30th Anniversary in New Orleans appeared first on Travel And Tour World.”}]] [[{“value”:”Reading Time: 2 minutes The 30th anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival took center stage in New Orleans this past weekend, as Travel Divas made history with over 300 women embarking
The post Travel Divas Set New Record at ESSENCE Festival’s 30th Anniversary in New Orleans appeared first on Travel And Tour World.”}]] Read More Travel And Tour World Destination News, TRAVEL EVENT NEWS, TRAVEL NEWS, annual Festival, dance competition, ESSENCE, luxury aboard, new orleans, Travel Divas, Westin