Alaska has the highest number of tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and Indigenous people in the country. (Photo Credit: Alaska Travel Industry Association)
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has formed a new partnership with the National Tour Association (NTA) to raise awareness about Native Nation destinations throughout the United States. This collaboration aims to promote Native tourism by introducing NTA’s travel professionals to Indigenous travel experiences and teaching them how to conduct business with Native-owned companies.
According to the announcement made by AIANTA, both organizations have entered into a "reciprocal cooperation agreement" to boost recognition of Native Nation travel destinations. The initiative also seeks to educate NTA members on promoting Indigenous tourism and working with Native-owned businesses.
Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the growing trend of responsible travel and the importance of cultural tourism. Rupert said, “We’re at a pivotal time for Indigenous Tourism across our Native Nations and communities in the U.S.” She added that the partnership will help increase tourism to Native Nations while educating travel professionals on how to collaborate effectively with Indigenous tourism operators.
The NTA also expressed its commitment to fostering the responsible growth of travel to and within North America. Their goal is to enhance the overall travel experience by bringing together professionals from various backgrounds. NTA President Catherine Prather praised the partnership, noting that AIANTA’s mission aligns with NTA’s core values, which include integrity, sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Prather further emphasized the potential impact of this cooperation, stating that it would lead to a broader understanding of Native Nations and their destinations among NTA’s travel community. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to showcase Indigenous tourism products while providing educational resources to travel professionals.
In addition to promoting Native destinations, the partnership highlights the economic contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses. According to the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report, these businesses generate $15.7 billion annually within the U.S. tourism and hospitality industry.
AIANTA is currently the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States. By joining forces with NTA, they aim to further their mission of promoting responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism that honours Indigenous cultures and benefits local communities.
