Gai Spann

Gai A. Spann is known to many as The Travel Artist. That's because she is a destination expert and is passionate about traveling the world and building leadership in travel.

In fact, as an FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management grad student, Gai launched the Association of Black Travel Professionals, with a mission is to elevate the profile of Black Travel Professionals while helping these talented entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

Her journey began in the summer of 2002, when Gai realized her dream to live in Paris, France. During her four-month stay there, her life was forever changed. Traveling abroad, visiting other countries, learning about different cultures, languages and cuisines ignited a passion for unique travel experiences.

As a result, Gai launched a travel agency called SPANNing the Globe Tours. She was awarded the Top 50 travel agent award by the Jamaica Tourism Board. She was also a Barbados Elite Travel agent and a member of the Funjet Vacations 500 top sales club.

Recently, Travel Pulse Magazine recognized Gai as one of the top 20 Most Influential Women in Travel. She holds a Marketing Degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate of Hospitality Management from Florida Atlantic University.

After graduating with her Master's in Hospitality Management at FIU this summer, Gai plans to join the Marriott Hotels Autograph Collection family as part of the launch team for the new Epicurean Atlanta Hotel located in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, which is scheduled to open September 2021.

Ivonne Yee-Amor
Communications, PR & Marketing
Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism