Meet the Charleston Executive Diversifying the Profile of Future Tourism Leaders
Photo Credit: The inaugural class of Explore Charleston's internship cultural enrichment program with historically Black colleges and university students, led by Marc Gibson. Explore Charleston / RK Photo
Skift Take
For Marc Gibson, building a more diverse travel industry requires creating a path to leadership for youth. Explore Charleston's new internship collaboration with historically Black colleges and universities shows it can be done when everyone commits to change — tourism boards, hospitality businesses, universities, and students.
A year ago, in the midst of racial protests, the U.S. travel industry was pushed to reckon with the reality that the industry remained devoid of diversity at the leadership level. It's a topic that has remained at the forefront of boardroom discussions, particularly at destination management organizations.
Among the ideas that have emerged is the need to focus on workforce development and create apprenticeship opportunities for diverse applicants interested in a long-term career in tourism. Diversity at the bottom levels of this industry isn't a problem, as one tourism executive told Skift six months ago, “but who wants to stick around 30 years to move up and see those opportunities?”
That's actually Marc Gibson's story. The director of inclusion and engagement at Explore Charleston began his post-college journey 28 years ago, working in the mailroom department of his hometown’s convention and visitors bureau.
Today, Gibson not only heads Explore Charleston’s diversity
