The ABC Travel Greenbook app aims to connect Black people, businesses around the world
In the age of social media and technology, there is quite literally an app for everything. The travel sector isn’t exempt from this, as there are a plethora of apps that work to make the lives of travelers easier as they traverse the world. A new app created by traveler and host of National Geographic’s “Black Travel Across America,” Martinique Lewis aims to do just that, specifically for Black travelers.
Lewis, who is a diversity in travel consultant and President of the Black Travel Alliance, launched the ABC Travel Greenbook app based on years of research and her personal travel experience. The concept for the app originally took shape as a best-selling book of the same name. The ABC Travel Greenbook app was inspired by Victor Hugo Green’s Negro Motorist Greenbook, a guidebook for African American roadtrippers published in the 1930s. Much like the OG Greenbook, Lewis’ rendition helps to celebrate Black communities and culture by highlighting Black-owned businesses.
“The reception from all travelers has been crazy!” Lewis said to Travel Noire. “I had a goal of 2,000 downloads and 1,000 subscribers, [and we’re] over that in less than 2 weeks. I remain grateful! I’ve asked for feedback and everyone loves it!”
The ABC Travel Greenbook app comes at a time when Black folks are not only yearning to travel the world more, but also have the desire to intentionally seek out ways to support Black communities wherever they go. The app’s database of listings helps travelers easily seek out Black businesses, communities and events in six continents, while also providing information on how to do so safely.
Travelers are also able to add to the app’s knowledge by recommending Black-owned businesses they’ve visited during their travels. Not only is this a way to highlight an outstanding establishment that might otherwise get overlooked, it also helps to foster community.
“I love the recommend a business feature! Since the release, users have been wearing it out. With over 20,000 listings worldwide there are plenty of Black travel businesses that we missed like Sabor Cubano in Florence, Italy. But because of users, it’s now included in the app! I also adore the homepage. It gives you Black itineraries to follow in some of your favorite destinations, tells you about upcoming Black events around the world, and recommends Black-owned businesses we’ve visited and want you to enjoy,” Lewis explained to Travel Noire.
If you’re someone who enjoys planning a trip from beginning to end, the ABC Travel Greenbook app also helps travelers build itineraries for solo or group trips through its “Its My Trips’‘ feature.
Regardless of how you choose to use the app, creating community with members of the African diaspora is at the heart of this useful tool.
“Definitely support these businesses by leaving a review after you visited so people know it was awesome,” Lewis said. “For non-Black travelers, I want them to use the app and help amplify Black-owned businesses to their networks.”
The ABC Travel Greenbook app launched on June 2 – the third anniversary of Black Out Tuesday – and has been running a free trial throughout the month. Following their free trial, users can purchase a monthly, annual or lifetime membership.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.