Miriam Fisshaye// CEO & founder of Zewdi Travel
My Name is Miriam Fisshaye, and I am German with Eritrean roots. As a traveler with a master’s degree in sustainable tourism, unfortunately, I had to realize, from my own experience, that traveling as a POC is associated with racism all over the world. Which creates more challenges. Therefore, my company focuses on travel for BIPOC and is designed to create a safe place for black travelers.
As a German-speaking employee I had to accompany a German tour group which initially mistook me for a Dominican. Without suspecting that I understand and speak German one person started telling stereotypical stories to the tour group. I was shocked and close to tears because the Dominicans were the nicest and most peaceful people I have met in my life. My experience recalled that the travel industry is a continued existence of the colonial past and that inequality is the fundament that exploited the poo human condition.
With my agency Zewdi I want to offer crucial added value for travelers of African descent and at the same time provide access for safe(r) space traveling. Furthermore, with Zewdi I want to build a sustainable bridge of cooperations with African countries and stakeholders to create a positive image of the continent.
You want to learn more about Miriam and Zewdi travel? Go check out her Instagram!