2025 Travel Noire Awards Winner: Top Travel Influencer – Kemoy Martin

Kemoy Martin has been crowned the Top Travel Influencer at the 2025 Travel Noire Awards. With an impressive portfolio spanning seven continents, Martin has captivated millions with his authentic storytelling and practical travel hacks. The Dallas-based content creator, with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, has revolutionized how travelers approach luxury experiences on modest budgets. His signature approach combines credit card reward maximization with strategic booking techniques, allowing his followers to access premium travel experiences without the premium price tag.

Martin’s win comes after years of consistent growth in the digital travel space, representing a milestone for Black American voices in travel media. From his beginnings in Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming a household name in the travel industry, Martin’s journey embodies perseverance and passion. His popular content includes detailed guides on accessing airport lounges, scoring suite upgrades, and booking business-class flights at economy prices.

From Caribbean Roots To Global Influence

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Kemoy Martin began his travel journey in 2012. What started as personal adventures quickly evolved into a mission to help others see the world affordably. His expertise in travel hacking, which he defines as “the art of earning free flights, hotel stays, and car rentals by using travel rewards credit cards,” has transformed countless vacations for his followers.

Martin’s content stands out for its practical, actionable advice rather than just aspirational imagery. When asked what destination every Black traveler should experience at least once, Martin told Travel Noire, “I would say Ghana, specifically Elmina Castle in Cape Coast. It’s an emotional yet very educational experience that every Black traveler should have.”

Revolutionizing Luxury Travel Access

Martin’s award-winning approach centers on democratizing luxury travel experiences. Unlike many influencers who showcase high-end destinations, he breaks down the exact strategies needed to access these experiences. From teaching followers how to navigate frequent flyer programs to maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses, Martin has created a blueprint for affordable luxury travel that resonates with budget-conscious adventurers.

He also connects travel with history and cultural resilience. Reflecting on where he’d begin a global “Black History Everywhere” tour, he shared: “Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was one of the richest Black communities in American history during the early 1900s before it was destroyed. This community represents the resilience of Black people.”

For Martin, travel is also a personal experience. Asked about his go-to anthem, he said: “Kanye West – ‘Good Life,’ because life is always good when you’re traveling.” And when it comes to comfort on the road, Martin never leaves without, “My running sneakers! When I pack them, I can start my mornings with runs just like I do at home.”

As international tourism continues to grow, Martin’s approach to accessible travel remains more relevant than ever for a new generation of global explorers. For him, the bigger picture is clear: “Black travel is our birthright.”

The Travel Noire Awards are in full swing — see all the nominees for Top Travel Influencer, as well as other category winners and upcoming reveals at the Travel Noire Awards hub.

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