VISIT Milwaukee Captures 2005 Diversity in Action Award

05/01/2005

VISIT Milwaukee's emphasis on multicultural tourism and internal diversity initiatives were key to its selection by The Leaders Forum as a "2005 Diversity in Action Award" recipient. The award is given in recognition of an organization that is succeeding through focus on diversity and actively maintaining internal initiatives that advance and foster multiculturalism. 

Since 2000, with the assistance of its multicultural advisory committee, VISIT Milwaukee has booked 64 multicultural conventions representing an estimated $48 million in economic impact. The city is poised to enjoy its biggest convention year in history, in large part due to a summer convention roster that includes three national, multicultural groups. The combined economic impact of delegates attending the NAACP Annual Convention July 9-15, the Gospel Music Workshop of America Aug. 13-20 and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Business Expo Sept. 13-17 is expected to top $20 million and bring national media exposure to the city. 

"We are honored to receive this award," said Doug Neilson, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "Multicultural convention business and leisure travel are among the tourism industry's fastest growing market segments. This underscores our success in capitalizing on that demand by promoting Milwaukee as a destination that is inclusive and welcoming for people of diverse backgrounds." 

The Leaders Forum, an organization that promotes leadership through relationship, retention and resource sharing among African-American professionals in southeast Wisconsin, will present the award at its Connecting for Success Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. 

VISIT Milwaukee's internal diversity initiatives played a significant role in its selection as well. Publications directed at niche travel markets, including a guide to multicultural businesses and attractions, and a guide for the lesbian/gay traveler that won the Award of Distinction in the 2005 Communicator Awards were cited. 

Focus on diversifying the organization's membership resulted in a 98 percent increase in multicultural members since 2001. VISIT Milwaukee's diversity initiatives extend to training for staff, board and membership, including its recent Maximize the Moment - M3 Milwaukee Multicultural Meetings, an event designed to ready Milwaukee's business and hospitality sectors to welcome and best serve the needs of multicultural visitors this summer and beyond. 

Established in 1967, VISIT Milwaukee is the premier marketer of Greater Milwaukee. VISIT Milwaukee reaches tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally with sales, marketing and public relations programs. Tourism generated $2.4 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2003, which is 21 percent of the state's total tourism impact. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 700 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Its main office is at 648 N. Plankinton Avenue, Suite 425, Milwaukee. It also has a sales 
office in Washington D.C. The Spirit of Milwaukee (SOM) and Potawatomi Bingo Casino are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
David Fantle, Director of Public Relations, VISIT Milwaukee 
414/287-4253