30 Years of Developing Black Hospitality at H.O.T.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting the 30th annual Hospitality Open Tournament (H.O.T) Golf Challenge, Fri., April 28, a tournament fundraiser benefitting the Black Hospitality Initiative. Since its inception 30 years ago, this program has raised more than $3.5 million and awarded over 450 scholarships to African Americans and Blacks of African descent who are committed to working in Miami-Dade County’s visitor industry.

Essential to the impact of the BHI programming is the Challenge, the initiative’s annual fundraiser. This golf outing brings together industry leaders, community partners and program graduates to participate in a day on the links at the Miami Beach Golf Club.

“Investing in our local students today provides them a springboard to launch successful careers tomorrow,” says BHI director Graylyn Swilley Woods, Ph.D.

Miami’s rich history and diverse neighborhoods make it unique among destinations in the U.S., says GMCVB president and CEO David Whitaker. “That is why it’s essential for us to not only acknowledge but to make it our priority to lead efforts that will promote a workforce that reflects the makeup of our community. We are committed to supporting future generations’ access to vital resources that enable BHI program participants to achieve long-term success in the field.”

With the help of university partners like Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, Florida Memorial University and Florida International University, the program has been able to grow, adding two new areas of specialization including sports administration and aviation management.

For more information about this year's event, click here.