The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has teamed up with Travel Unity to promote inclusivity and amplify Indigenous voices in the U.S. tourism sector. This partnership, formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the International Inbound Travel Association’s Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a significant step toward making the tourism industry more equitable and diverse.
Building on AIANTA’s previous agreement with IITA in October 2023, this collaboration aims to overcome barriers for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism businesses, ensuring they have access to global audiences and greater visibility.
Shared Commitment to Inclusive Tourism
The partnership’s goal is clear: to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in tourism while helping Indigenous communities use cultural heritage tourism for economic growth.
Through their MOU, AIANTA and Travel Unity will:
Facilitate Resource Sharing: Both organizations will share expertise, research, and best practices to help Indigenous tourism businesses succeed in the competitive travel industry.
Expand Educational Opportunities: AIANTA and Travel Unity will work together to offer workshops, webinars, and training programs to empower Native tourism enterprises.
Promote Inclusive Travel Practices: The two organizations will advocate for fair representation of Indigenous cultures in marketing, policy, and industry events, ensuring that Native tourism remains authentic and economically viable.
AIANTA’s Long History of Supporting Indigenous Tourism
For over 26 years, AIANTA has been a leader in advocating for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities in the tourism industry.
The organization has played a key role in:
Building Capacity for Native Tourism Enterprises: Through technical assistance, training, and grants, AIANTA has helped Native businesses establish sustainable models and connect with larger markets.
Enhancing Economic Opportunities: AIANTA has partnered with state and federal tourism agencies to create pathways for Native tourism enterprises to succeed.
Promoting Cultural Heritage Preservation: AIANTA ensures that tourism aligns with cultural values, allowing Indigenous communities to share their heritage on their own terms.
AIANTA’s leadership has helped boost economic growth in Native communities by increasing visitor engagement with Native-owned businesses and cultural attractions.
A Stronger Future for Indigenous Tourism
The partnership between AIANTA and Travel Unity is a crucial step for Indigenous tourism in the U.S. By combining resources and advocacy, the two organizations are working toward a tourism industry where Native Nations and communities can fully benefit from the economic opportunities offered by travel.
As the partnership grows, the wider tourism industry has the chance to embrace Indigenous tourism as an essential and enriching part of the global travel experience.
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