AIANTA & NTA Boost Native American Tourism

AIANTA and NTA Team Up for Indigenous Travel

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA) announced a reciprocal cooperation agreement to build awareness of destinations across U.S. Native Nations and their travel products among NTA’s community of travel professionals.

A strong US economy is fueled by travel, which also supports the growth of other sectors of the economy. The Tourism and Hospitality Sector in the United States Benefits from $15.7 billion from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned Hospitality Businesses, per the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report, which was created by AIANTA in collaboration with Honolulu-based SMS Research. The partnership between AIANTA and NTA will also seek to train NTA travel agents in selling Indigenous tourism experiences and conducting business with Indigenous-owned enterprises.

“We’re at a pivotal time for Indigenous Tourism across our Native Nations and communities in the U.S.,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “With a heightened awareness of responsible travel, diverse travel experiences and cultural heritage tourism on the rise, this strategic partnership with the National Tour Association will help grow tourism to our Native Nations and communities while providing education on how to do business with Indigenous operators.”

By fostering connections between varied professionals, improving the travel experience, and constantly considering its influence on communities and the environment, NTA aims to lead the responsible expansion of travel to, from, and within North America.

“AIANTA’s mission statement and core values speak to NTA’s commitment to integrity, sustainability, inclusivity, collaboration and teamwork, learning and innovation,” said Catherine Prather, CTP, President of the National Tour Association. “By working together in this new partnership, we can increase awareness of Native Nations and destinations among NTA’s community of travel professionals.”

As the national voice representing American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian nations involved in cultural tourism, AIANTA has addressed injustices in the tourism system for over 25 years. Additionally, it offers technical support, training, and capacity building to Native Nations, communities, and Native-owned businesses involved in tourism, hospitality, and leisure.

Native Nations and communities looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.aianta.org, and visitors interested in learning more about Native culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.