Let Our Actions Speak Louder Than Our Words

In response to the call to dismantle systemic and structural racism Destination Cleveland is deeply committed to do more with greater intention to make our community stronger. It is essential that we make diversity, equity and inclusion part of our DNA and part of how we operate to advance tourism and Cleveland’s reputation as a destination city.
 
We acknowledge our role in unintentionally perpetuating systemic racism through our work to change perceptions of, attract people to and enhance experiences in Cleveland. We took inventory of diversity efforts already underway and started building on what we were doing as an organization. Initial actions have included:

• Reported, through the Black Travel Alliance’s #pullupfortravel initiative, benchmark data related to representation, engagement with and involvement of Black Americans in our work.
• Co-signed the Community Statement on Racism as a Public Health Crisis, including vow of action to correct ways in which our work contributes to racism.
• Implemented consistent storytelling about Cleveland’s under-represented communities as well as promotion of people of color-owned businesses and Cleveland’s diverse communities.
• Formed a Racial Equity & Inclusion Taskforce of our Board of Directors to examine all that we do as an organization through a racial equity and inclusion lens.

As a result of the Taskforce’s work, we share Destination Cleveland’s Racial Equity & Inclusion Roadmap, a set of initial pragmatic actions to ensure our work equitably, inclusively and intentionally grows the travel and tourism industry, improves Cleveland’s narrative and enhances visitors’ experiences. We will report annually on progress related to these actions.

Destination Cleveland is committed to broadening its efforts across the diversity, equity and inclusion spectrum in the months ahead.

Learn about Destination Cleveland’s planned actions and more through the callouts below.