American railways is reflecting the diversity of the U.S. at least on Amtrak’s website with the railway company’s launch of three microsites that chronicles the stories of its Black, bilingual English and Spanish language, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender riders.
The train company launched three unique microsites: DescubreNorteAmerica.com, MyBlackJourney.com, and AmtrakRideWithPride.com in November.
Amtrak is adding a little personality to its main website, Amtrak.com, which is mainly for booking and trip planning, with these microsites Amtrak hopes to capture “the unique, original multicultural voices of a rotating set of featured bloggers,” who will be exploring train travel throughout America and sharing their experiences with Amtrak readers.
“Diversity begins with respect. Respect for the community, for culture and, of course, for you,” says Liliana Lopez, Amtrak editor of DescubreNorteAmerica.com.
Each of the microsites will focus on cultural heritage and experiences with train travel and destinations as well as posting deals on Amtrak, say the editors.
DescubreNorteAmerica.com focuses on Latin American heritage and experiences in a bilingual format.
“The goal of Amtrak’s MyBlackJourney.com is to help you re-imagine what train travel can be,” says Saunya Connelly, editor of MyBlackJourney.com, in her editor’s message on the site.
MyBlackJourney.com will focus on “cultural destinations and reflect the historical journey of African Americans living here,” continues Saunya.
Amtrak’s RideWithPride.com editor Mark Mastro sees his job as connecting with everyday people and providing a comfortable travel experience.
“My job is to travel across the country, see new sites and connect with everyday people,” says Mark, who has already loaded the site with photos, testimonials and blog posts. “More importantly, I share my experiences with those who are seeking a travel experience that makes them feel comfortable.”
This is one more rail in Amtrak’s record on supporting diversity. The train company is a member of the National Council of La Raza and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. The company awards scholarships through the United Negro College Fund for students at historically black colleges and universities and is a sponsor of events like Capital Pride in Washington.
“We believe every great adventure begins with an amazing experience. Our goal is to provide that experience, time and time again. It doesn’t matter who goes along for the ride,” says Amtrak on RideWithPride.com.
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