Lisa Laws is pioneering Africa & Caribbean travel experiences with The Black Onyx Group Travel

In the dynamic world of travel, where the call of distant shores beckons with the promise of adventure and discovery, Lisa Laws and her company, The Black Onyx Group Travel (TBOG), stand out as beacons of innovation and excellence. Based in New York and Philadelphia, TBOG has been revolutionizing travel experiences for over a decade, specializing in creating bespoke journeys that not only promise relaxation and luxury but also foster deep, meaningful connections with culture and community.

Founded in 2009, TBOG leverages Lisa’s extensive 25-year background in leisure and corporate travel, event planning, and hospitality management. Her expertise shines through in TBOG’s comprehensive service offerings, which encompass everything from corporate meetings and conventions to personalized leisure travel and group housing arrangements. What sets TBOG apart is not just its service excellence but its commitment to creating experiences that resonate on a personal and collective level, allowing clients to explore the world’s beauty stress-free.

Lisa, who herself has Jamaican roots, has always had a deep-rooted passion for the African and Caribbean diasporas, which is vividly reflected in the travel experiences she curates. One of TBOG’s standout initiatives is the annual “Runcation” to Jamaica, a unique blend of fitness and cultural immersion during the Reggae Marathon in Negril. This event is more than just a marathon; it is a celebration of community and heritage, drawing over 300 participants annually, many of whom return each year. Each participant contributes to the local community by supporting the Green Island School, and Clifton Boys Home demonstrating the profound impact travel can have on local economies and education.

Beyond the Caribbean, Lisa’s zeal extends to the vast landscapes and rich cultures of Africa. Over the past 15 years, she has designed and led trips to nations such as South Africa, Senegal,, Egypt, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.

Each journey is crafted with an eye for authenticity, ensuring that travelers gain a genuine understanding and appreciation of each destination’s history, culture, and people. Her trips to Ghana, for instance, delve into the nation’s heritage and vibrant traditions, with highlights including the AfroFuture Festival and the annual marathon in Accra.  Other travel options to Ghana include the Volta Region and its beauty and traditional religions.  

Lisa’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences is paralleled by her dedication to philanthropy. As a certified Africa Travel Specialist and a Jamaica Travel Specialist, she uses her platforms not only to design breathtaking escapes but also to contribute positively to the destinations she holds dear. This commitment has earned her recognition as one of the top 50 Travel Agents by the Jamaican Tourism Board.

TBOG Travel under Lisa’s leadership exemplifies how travel can transcend mere vacationing to become a transformative experience for both the traveler and the host communities. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to exploring the Serengeti and wandering through the blue streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco, Lisa ensures that every TBOG itinerary is infused with a sense of adventure, luxury, and purpose.

In today’s fast-paced world, TBOG is a testament to how visionary leadership and a commitment to cultural engagement can redefine the travel industry. Lisa is not just planning trips; she’s crafting journeys that enrich, inspire, and resonate long after the travelers return home.

The Black Onyx Group Travel has several trips to Africa planned for Summer and Fall of this year, including to Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and Benin, as well as their annual trip to participate in the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica in December. 2025 trips already planned include Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and more.  Even Lisa’s bucket list travel destinations of Rwanda and Uganda to learn about the genocide and experience the Silverback Gorilla is on deck for next year and she invites everyone to join her!