Herlinda Lombardi on multicultural tourism initiatives and showcasing the diverse heart of Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County, a sizzling metropolis renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, holds a secret weapon: a heart brimming with multicultural riches. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) Multicultural Tourism & Development Department (MTDD) aims to promote a tourism experience that celebrates the county's diverse communities and heritages. We had an opportunity to chat with Herlinda Lombardi, the Program Manager of Multicultural Tourism and Development. She unveiled her passion for people and places and how the department celebrates heritage and inclusion. Continue reading for more details.
A passion for people and places: Herlinda Lombardi connects the community
Herlinda Lombardi, Program Manager of Multicultural Tourism & Development, brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for cultural connection to her role. With a background in sports management and a love for travel, Herlinda finds her current position a perfect fit. "I'm thankful for the GMCVB’s Multicultural Tourism & Development Department," she shares, "because it allows me to work with different cultures in various communities."
Multicultural tourism: A celebration of heritage and inclusion
Herlinda defines multicultural tourism as "engaging travelers from a more inclusive perspective." Miami-Dade County, a mosaic of cultures, offers a unique opportunity to explore art, music, and food through the lens of its diverse communities. This fosters a richer experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with the stories and traditions that have shaped the destination.
Greater Miami and Miami Beach boasts a long history of embracing cultural diversity. The MTDD goes beyond showcasing heritage; it actively collaborates with local communities to build trust, ensure economic sustainability, and elevate awareness of Miami's rich tapestry. The goal? To attract visitors seeking a deeper, more meaningful travel experience.
The MTDD spearheads initiatives that bring Miami's diverse neighborhoods to the forefront. Strengthening relationships with established heritage areas like Hialeah and Doral is a key focus. Additionally, the department is shedding light on the vibrant Asian community with a recent "Asian-American Community Tour of Miami," which showcased hidden gems and cultural hotspots.
Inclusivity is paramount for the MTDD. Herlinda emphasizes, "We work with community stakeholders, small businesses, and events to ensure they are properly represented." This collaborative approach ensures that Miami's tourism offerings reflect the true essence of its diverse communities.
Historic Overtown as a beacon of cultural engagement
The MTDD's collaborative efforts have yielded impressive results in various heritage neighborhoods and communities. An example is Historic Overtown, a Black heritage neighborhood, in which the GMCVB has supported programming. Through close collaboration, the MTDD has helped elevate the offerings in Historic Overtown promoting its rich history, delectable cuisine, and cultural attractions like the D.A. Dorsey House and the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. Visitors can also delve into the neighborhood's culinary scene at Red Rooster, Jackson Soul Food, and Lil Greenhouse Grill.
A vision for the future
Herlinda's vision is clear: to showcase the vast spectrum of cultures that Miami-Dade County has to offer. "We want to highlight as many cultures as possible," she states. Miami is often associated with Cuban and Latin influences, but the MTDD is committed to ensuring other communities receive their well-deserved recognition.
Looking ahead, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau will continue to foster trust and collaboration with local communities, ensuring economic sustainability and propelling Miami's multicultural tourism sector to new heights.
Herlinda's Cuban heritage fuels her passion for cultural exploration. "There's so much we can learn about each other's cultures," she enthuses. Working in the MTDD has broadened her perspective on Miami's rich tapestry.
A visitor's paradise: Must-experience cultural events
While picking a favorite cultural event is a tough call, Herlinda recommends attending the Calle Ocho Music Festival, the largest Latin street festival globally. Other recommendations include Cuba Nostalgia (immersing yourself in Cuban culture), the Asian Culture Festival, the American Black Film Festival and Miami Carnival Parade and Concert. Celebrating Milestones in Little Havana is another favorite on her list.
Join the movement: Supporting multicultural tourism in your community
Aspiring to work in multicultural tourism? Herlinda advises, "Be open to new experiences and people, and step outside your comfort zone." Individuals can support multicultural tourism by attending local events, shopping at small businesses in diverse communities, promoting these events and businesses within their circles and on social media.
Ready to discover the vibrant tapestry of Miami-Dade County beyond the beaches? The GMCVB offers a curated list of cultural attractions, events, neighborhoods, and cuisines waiting to be explored. Visit http://www.MiamiandMiamiBeach.com or http://www.MulticulturalMiami.com.
Dive deeper into Miami's cultural heart! Calle Ocho News brings you the stories of Miami's people, arts, and culture. Sign up for our newsletter and explore a hidden world! If you’re a business looking to reach engaged readers, reach out to us for our advertising services now.
Add Comment