Meet Marcus Williams
The visionary owner of
Impressive Travels Travel Agency based in vibrant Houston, Texas. With a
passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Williams specializes in
curating destination weddings and group travel adventures. Annually, he hosts
two exclusive group trips with the spirited Impressive Travel Travel Junkies,
aiming to increase that to three in 2024.
Beyond crafting dream
getaways, Williams is dedicated to fostering connections and community. Each
year, he organizes a domestic and international group trip for African American
males, promoting the normalization of black brotherhood and highlighting the
transformative power of travel. Marcus extends his impact by collaborating with
Cherry On Top Youth Center LLC, where he educates inner-city kids on the
transformative power of travel and works with local entrepreneurs and clients
to sponsor 10+ kids a year to Experience travel via cruise ship. Williams is
not just a travel enthusiast; he’s a catalyst for meaningful journeys and
community enrichment. He was recently named to the Board of GTM (Global Travel
Marketplace.)
Meet Belvin Baldwin II
Showtime Travel designs luxury
vacations for busy professionals, so all they have to do is show up. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Baldwin is a luxury travel agency owner and a
proud recipient of prestigious awards for my dedication and expertise.
His journey
has been revamped by innovation and adaptability, enabling him to flourish even
amidst the ever-changing dynamics of the post-COVID era. He takes pride in
building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their vacation goals
exceed expectations, and leaving them with cherished memories to last a
lifetime.
Most clients use him for
celebratory travel, i.e., birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, honeymoons, etc. As a committed advocate for diversity and representation in the travel
industry, Belvin proudly serves on the Black Travel Advisors Board, a part of
the NorthStar Travel Group. This platform allows him to contribute his insights
and work towards a more inclusive and vibrant future in luxury travel.
With immense
gratitude, the renowned Robb Report has recognized him as one of the top Black
Luxury Travel Advisors. This acknowledgment reaffirms his passion for
delivering unparalleled experiences tailored to his client’s desires and
vacation goals.
As for
philanthropy, giving back to the local community is essential to him. One of his
recent projects was opening a computer lab in Ghana to help close the digital
divide.
Diana Hayes. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group Media)
Meet Diana
Hayes
Hayes is the
owner and CEO of Diva Getaways, an Atlanta-based travel agency established in
2001. After 13 years in the travel industry, she created Promoters United, a
collaborative travel group led by agents nationwide. They mesh well because they
all share a common goal: to host trips and other travel-related events,
uplifting each other’s businesses and giving clients a chance to see the world
with like-minded travelers.
After a few years of success, Promoters United has
expanded and joined forces with well-respected DJs, comedians, hosts, musical
artists, influencers, and more. Today, one of her most outstanding achievements
year after year is allowing various small businesses and independent talents to
showcase what they do best, all while building new relationships and networking
with people worldwide.
They are ecstatic to celebrate their 10th anniversary in
2024 and look forward to welcoming other agents, entertainers, and more to join
us on our journey. Diana supports New Life of New York, a non-profit organization
that supports inner-city youths.
Meet Cynthia
Hayes
Hayes is the
owner of Hayes Executive Travel Service in Texas. Her agency is a full-service
agency with significant business and VIP clients. Her agency is also one of the
few that still issue tickets. Hayes’ clients include an NBA team and several
major corporations.
She has arranged travel for groups ranging from 50 to
10,000 guests. She has successfully managed all of their travel requirements. Being
well-traveled, Hayes enjoys sharing her experiences with her clients. Excellent
customer service combined with modern technology set Hayes Executive Travel
Service among the best in the industry. She is integral in building and
maintaining partner relationships and establishing operational excellence.
They
provide travel management services worldwide and have grown and prospered with
an account base that includes local and Fortune 500 companies. They support the
Dallas Black Dance Theatre and donate to the Children’s Advocacy Center of
Colin County. This organization supports and provides counseling services to
the local community.
Debbie Hines Brown. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group Media)
Meet Debra
Brown
Brown is the
President and Luxury Travel Designer at SmartBird World Travel.
SmartBird World Travel/SB World Luxe Travel sets itself apart from other
agencies as a retail storefront agency in Atlanta and focuses on curating
bespoke culturally immersive travel experiences in each segment of its target
client base.
With a physical location, they host destination-focused events and
lend credibility and professionalism to their agency as a brick-and-mortar
location. This resonates particularly well with luxury clients and past DIY
travelers who now seek professional assistance with COVID-19. Brown works with
the moderate, luxury, and ultra-luxury FIT, Group, and Incentive/Corporate
Retreat Markets. Their goal is to develop long-term relationships with clients
through the value-added proposition of a consultative approach to matching them
to their idea of paradise.
Her agency is also set apart by the resources it brings
to bear due to the relationships it establishes and maintains with suppliers,
advisors, and tourism organizations worldwide. Her product knowledge is
extensive through the destination and supplier training, and familiarization
travel our advisors participate in. She supports Kids’ Doc On Wheels. They aim
to ensure increased access to high-quality and preventive care in the children’s
communities. The program services children through 18 years old.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.