Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Foley
Hi Maurice, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a deep passion for travel and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. After years of working in corporate America, I realized that my true calling was in creating meaningful experiences for others. In 2014, I took a leap of faith and started my own travel business, Two Oceans Travel & Tours, focusing on curating unique trips that blend culture, adventure, and community.
Fast forward 6 years, I launched the annual Black Travel Expo in Atlanta in 2020. The Expo was born out of a desire to empower Black travelers, showcase travel entrepreneurs, and create a space where travel enthusiasts could connect, learn, and grow. Despite challenges like the global pandemic, the Expo has grown into a premier event, bringing together travelers, influencers, and industry professionals to celebrate and expand the Black travel movement. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue inspiring others to explore the world and build opportunities in the travel industry.
Getting to this point has been a journey of persistence, passion, and adaptability. Starting my travel business in 2014 was my first step toward turning a love for travel into a career. Over the years, I faced challenges that pushed me to think creatively, build relationships, and develop a deep understanding of the travel industry.
When I launched the Black Travel Expo in 2020, it was the culmination of everything I’d learned. I saw a need for representation in travel and wanted to create a platform to highlight Black travel professionals and inspire others to explore the world.
My journey has been driven by a commitment to community, education, and creating opportunities for others to thrive in travel. Staying focused on my mission and adapting to industry changes has been key to reaching this point. Today, I’m proud to lead initiatives that empower others while doing what I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped my journey. When I first started my travel business, one of the biggest hurdles was building trust and credibility in a competitive industry. I had to prove myself while learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, often with limited resources and support.
The launch of the Black Travel Expo in 2020 came with its own set of struggles. Starting during a global pandemic meant navigating travel restrictions, shifting event plans, and finding innovative ways to connect with people virtually. There were also challenges in securing sponsors and raising awareness about the importance of representation in travel.
Through it all, I stayed focused on my vision, leaned on my network, and adapted to every obstacle. The journey has been far from easy, but the impact I’ve seen—helping travelers and travel professionals thrive—makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black Travel Expo ?
My business and organization are deeply rooted in fostering connections, empowering travelers, and celebrating diversity in travel. As the founder of Two Oceans Travel & Tours, I specialize in curating unique, culturally immersive travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing, focusing on creating meaningful moments for travelers worldwide.
In addition, I launched the Black Travel Expo, an annual event that serves as a hub for Black travelers, influencers, and industry professionals. It’s more than an expo—it’s a movement to amplify Black voices in travel, provide education, and connect people with opportunities to explore the world and thrive in the travel industry.
What sets my brand apart is the emphasis on community and representation. We’re not just organizing trips or events; we’re building spaces that celebrate culture, promote equity, and inspire others to see the world with fresh perspectives.
I’m most proud of the Expo’s growth and impact—it has become a premier platform for travelers and professionals to share stories, network, and access tools to succeed. For your audience, I want them to know that our work is about more than travel—it’s about creating experiences that empower, educate, and inspire. Whether it’s a dream vacation or a connection to the larger travel community, we’re here to make it happen.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me the power of adaptability and the importance of community in business. When the pandemic hit, it brought the travel industry to a halt, forcing me to rethink how to stay connected with clients and the travel community. I learned how to pivot quickly, leveraging virtual platforms to keep the momentum alive for both my travel business and the Black Travel Expo.
The crisis also highlighted the need to prioritize health, safety, and flexibility in all aspects of travel planning. It reinforced the importance of building trust with clients by providing clear communication, reliable solutions, and empathetic support during uncertain times.
Perhaps the most important lesson was the value of resilience. COVID-19 challenged us all, but it also brought the travel community closer together. It deepened my commitment to creating opportunities and experiences that not only connect people but also uplift and empower them—even in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blacktravelexpo.co
- Instagram: www.instgram.com/blacktravelexpo
- Facebook: www.facebpok.com/blacktravelexpo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacktravelexpo
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/blacktrvlexpo
