Stephanie M. Jones, MBA is a necessary disruptor within the global travel & tourism industry, celebrated for her award-winning initiatives designed to advance Blacks in travel & tourism, Black cultural heritage tourism and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is cultural heritage tourism thought leader, tourism development consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and marketing & business strategist. For over a decade, Stephanie has championed for underrepresented small Black tourism businesses and underserved communities to access equitable opportunities for driving their sustainability, scalability, and profitability through the global travel & tourism industry.
Jones is the founder and CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA) and Managing Director of Disrupt for Change Media. Through CHEA, she has launched several sustainable tourism initiatives that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #8, 10 and 17. She has consistently demonstrated how tourism can serve as an economic driver, creating equitable opportunities for small businesses, especially in underserved communities.
Jones’ career is marked by multiple high-profile achievements. She has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions including the 2024 Most Influential Women in Travel by TravelPulse, JourneyWoman Lifetime Achievement Bessie Award, the Travel+Leisure Global Vision Award, and the Gold Anthem Award for her exceptional work in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Her entrepreneurial prowess was also recognized when she was selected as a top 10 finalist in the 2021 UNWTO Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism, the only U.S.-based finalist.
Beyond her leadership roles, Jones’ influence extends across various industry boards and councils. She serves as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, the Northstar Travel Group’s Black Travel Advisory Board, and as chair of Hurtigruten’s Black Travel Advisory Board. Jones has collaborated with major organizations such as Brand USA, U.S. Travel Association, and various destination marketing organizations, helping these entities integrate inclusivity and sustainability into their strategic initiatives.
As a global speaker, Stephanie captivates audiences with her insights into sustainable tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and multicultural marketing. She has shared her expertise at notable conferences and forums, including those hosted by the Belize Tourism Board, South African Tourism Board, ITB Berlin, U.S. Travel Association/IPW, Cruise World, European Cities Marketing, Boom and Phocuswright and several others. Her keynote addresses are known for inspiring meaningful change, urging stakeholders to align sustainable tourism with community-based tourism, and creating inclusive ecosystems for marginalized businesses and communities.
Jones’ career is also a testament to her commitment to mentoring and education. She actively serves as a guest lecturer and tourism development trainer, offering invaluable insights on destination marketing, entrepreneurship, and small business development. Her work, exemplified by programs like the Blacks in Travel & Tourism, Future of Black Tourism, Diversity Tourism Academy, and the Black Tour Operators Network, empowers underrepresented Black
and Brown tourism businesses and entrepreneurs to overcome the “pay-to-play” barriers of the tourism industry, positioning them to access global markets and thrive.
Stephanie’s story is one of passion, innovation, and purpose. Her work has not only elevated Black cultural heritage tourism but also set a new standard for equitable tourism practices globally. As a recognized thought leader and change agent, Stephanie M. Jones continues to pave the way for a travel & tourism industry that is more inclusive, sustainable, and profitable for all.
For more on Stephanie M. Jones and her work, visit her official platforms, such as the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance and Disrupt for Change Media. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.