Connecting the Diaspora, One Gathering at a Time IJUS Travel traveled to Rio for the @blacktravelsummit to connect with cultural ambassadors and bring heritage-rich insights back to our clients. Arrival + Opening Moments I touched down and checked into my oceanfront room at the @GrandHyatt_Rio . A quick visit to Christ the Redeemer offered the clearest views I’ve ever seen and grounded the start of this intentional journey. The Summit’s opening reception was alive with samba & vibrant conversation with exhibitors from Tanzania, Benin, & Barbados. @amawaterways shared how river cruising is evolving to uplift heritage storytelling. The energy was welcoming, expansive, and deeply rooted in connection. Cultural Immersion in Motion Afro-Brazilian samba class led by @mayombemasai , taught not only movement but meaning — connecting rhythm with lineage. Dance as resistance, joy, and remembrance. @etniasturismoecultura toured us through Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of Samba, as we enjoyed cachaça tasting, and a music-filled stroll through Lapa keeping the night flowing with a vibrancy Rio is known for. Designing for the Diaspora Heritage-centered itinerary design, ethical storytelling, and culinary narratives across the Diaspora were explored in a powerful sessions such as the one led by @blackfoodfridays - reinforcing how food, memory, and migration shape the way we experience a place.
EDITOR & FOUNDER’S NOTE
@the.bhia —highlighted pathways into property development, real estate, and community-driven lodging, while @meryanneinspired explored Afro-diasporic design principles, reminding us that culturally rooted luxury doesn’t need to follow Western hospitality models. A Moment of Creative Expression Participating in the Mount Cinnamon Dream Room Design Challenge hosted by @mountcinnamongrenada , where we pitched culturally inspired hotel room concepts was a beautiful moment to merge storytelling, aesthetics, and cultural memory into a vision for hospitality rooted in belonging. We each interpreted Diaspora identity through color palettes, textures, and sensory details. The Gala: A Celebration of Black Imagination The weekend culminated in an evening honoring creatives, advisors, filmmakers, cultural leaders, and emerging voices who continue to uplift Diaspora narratives across the globe with artistry and intention. Looking Ahead @visitrio and @visitbrasil embraced us with rhythm, warmth, and cultural depth, reminding us why IJUS Travel is committed to designing journeys that highlight
art, music, food, dance, and wellness. As we look toward
@visitmilwaukee in 2026, we carry with us the energy, insight, and relationships formed at BTS. Obrigado, Rio!.
With my birthday twin & one of the BTS organizers, presenting at the Design a Room challenge
Founder & Editor, Leggo | IJUS Travel
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