Atlanta is Favorite Destination for African American Tourists

According to the Travel Industry Association of America, African American tourists choose Atlanta as their favorite U.S. city to visit and account for approximately 25% of the city's tourists annually. While Atlanta may not have as much general tourism appeal compared to a New York City or Los Angeles, the city's popularity with African Americans is important and cannot be overlooked.

Atlanta often gets criticized for not having any major tourist attractions, and while it's true that Stone Mountain and the Margaret Mitchell House, though worthwile attractions, do not engender the same excitement as say Disneyworld in Orlando, or the Empire State Building in New York City, Atlanta is in the midst of a tourism revitalization project.

The huge aquarium being built in Downtown Atlanta is evidence the city is listening to feedback regarding the lack of tourist attractions in Atlanta. A couple of years ago, the gay/lesbian community was included in a marketing campaign as studies showed that Atlanta was a prime travel destination for gays and lesbians living in the southeastern United States.

So why do African Americans make Atlanta their top tourist destination? There are many reasons. Atlanta resonates with African American history, from the negative slavery and Civil War era to the positive modern success of black entrepreneurs, politicians, entertainers, and athletes in the city. Civil rights history and continued political activity is of course a main focus, as Atlanta was the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. The King Center offers an educational and inspirational experience for the entire family. The city's hip hop talent, including such nationally acclaimed acts like Outkast and Ludacris, also bring an influx of young African Americans, many of who end up attending one of Atlanta's black colleges and universities. Sweet Auburn offers tourists a variety of influences in African American culture, including some great soul food. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is also a big draw among African Americans, as was the discontinued Montreaux Music Festival. Religious conferences and family reunions make up a bulk of African American tourism in Atlanta.

Atlanta used to host Freaknik, which was considered to be the "black spring break" in which tens of thousands of African American college students would flock to Atlanta for concerts and other events. The city was forced to shut down the popular event due to lack of enough law enforcement to handle the crowds and the cruising that clogged the streets of Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.

Many visitors choose to stay, due to Atlanta's mild climate and opportunities for African American entrepreneurs and professionals. The lower cost of living, and lucrative job market, compared to northern cities such as New York City and Philadelphia is also an attractive point. Atlanta allows African American tourists a chance to reflect on their heritage and history, while also letting them celebrate the richness of their culture.