Buffalo receives national African American Heritage Tourism designation

From the Convention and Visitors Bureau:

"Buffalo earned the designation of being the second authenticated African American Heritage Tourism Destination in the United States by the Travel Professionals of Color (TPOC). The CVB hosted representatives from the Travel Professionals of Color Heritage Team in Buffalo on July 23-24 to determine if the city met the requirements to become an Authenticated African American Heritage Tourism site. This authentication process included visits to Buffalo's African American heritage sites, such as the Nash House and Michigan Street Baptist Church, as well as restaurants and small businesses owned and operated by people of color. This designation will put our community in a better position to receive a larger share of the $42 billion plus spent annually by the African American traveler. In May 2009, Buffalo will host the Travel Professionals of Color’s annual tradeshow and conference. Over 350 African-American and minority travel professionals are expected to attend the four-day educational event."