American Indigenous Tourism Association

American Indigenous Tourism Association The American Indigenous Tourism Association serves as the national center for providing tourism & travel training and technical assistance. Driven by Community.
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Our Mission:
To define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous Tourism that honors traditions and values. American Indigenous Tourism Association
“Rooted in Culture. Powered by Tourism.”

For more than 27 years, the American Indigenous Tourism Association has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing a mission to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indigeno

us tourism that honors traditions and values across the United States and its territories. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, the American Indigenous Tourism Association is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Indigenous board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $11.6 billion Indigenous hospitality sector. The American Indigenous Tourism Association's legislative advocacy led to the passage and funding of the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. Our Mission Statement:
To define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous Tourism that honors traditions and values. Our Vision Statement:
We envision a future where Indigenous Tourism serves as a powerful catalyst for economic sovereignty, celebrates cultural authenticity, and empowers Native Nations and communities to thrive through meaningful partnerships, powerful cultural expression, and global recognition. Contact information:
[email protected]

For PR/Media Inquiries:
Liz Slobodian, APR
[email protected]

06/23/2026

Only a few days left! 🗓️

The early bird deadline for the 28th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference is almost here. Join us in Tulalip, Washington this October to support self-determination, protect homelands, and elevate Indigenous tourism for Native Nations and communities.

Attendees who register by June 30 will be entered into a drawing for one overnight stay at the Tulalip Resort Casino during the conference, where one winner will be chosen.

📅 Deadline: June 30
🔗 Register today: https://americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc/

🌿 Indigenous tourism is rooted in culture, community, and connection.As the American Indigenous Tourism Association plan...
06/23/2026

🌿 Indigenous tourism is rooted in culture, community, and connection.

As the American Indigenous Tourism Association plans future programs and resources, your feedback can help ensure that work reflects the real needs, priorities, and opportunities across Native Nations and communities.

Take a few minutes to share your voice.
👉 https://americanindigenoustourism.org/survey

Looking for a targeted way to reach Indigenous tourism leaders, partners, and decision-makers?Exhibitor tables are avail...
06/22/2026

Looking for a targeted way to reach Indigenous tourism leaders, partners, and decision-makers?

Exhibitor tables are available at the 28th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference, offering direct access to more than 300 tourism professionals.

The Native Art Market has filled, and exhibitor space is where the next wave of visibility is happening.

Claim your table before spaces are gone:
https://americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc/

06/21/2026

📣 Last chance to get your team registered at the early bird rate!

Early bird registration for the 28th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference ends June 30. Now is the time to register your staff, board members, tourism partners, artists, cultural leaders, and anyone helping strengthen Indigenous tourism in your region.

Join us Oct. 19-22, 2026, at Tulalip Resort Casino on the homelands of The Tulalip Tribes in Tulalip, Washington.

Register by June 30: https://americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc/

06/20/2026

Indigenous tourism is built by people who welcome visitors with care, share cultural knowledge with integrity, create unforgettable experiences, and strengthen Native Nations and communities.

Now is the time to recognize them. 🏆

Submit a nomination for the Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards and help celebrate the businesses, destinations, artists, professionals, and partners leading the way.

Deadline: July 17
👉 https://americanindigenoustourism.org/excellence-in-indigenous-tourism-awards/

National funding opportunities can help Indigenous businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen local economies across Indi...
06/20/2026

National funding opportunities can help Indigenous businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen local economies across Indian Country.

Congratulations to the Indigenous businesses recognized through the Amex Shop Small® Grants Program, including American Indigenous Tourism Association member Passport to Pueblo Country/Than Povi NM, Nez Perce Traditions, Brigham Fish Market, Indigenous Eats, Dot Pallanes Indigenous Fashions, and Indigenized Behavioral Healing. Each awardee received $20,000 to support their work and communities.

These awards are a powerful reminder for Indigenous entrepreneurs, tourism businesses, artists, food businesses, and community-based enterprises to keep watching for funding opportunities that support Native Nations and communities.

View the full list of recipients: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/more-than-500-small-business-owners-awarded-20-000-amex-shop-small-grants

The AP recently highlighted Kaktovik, Alaska, where Alaska Native village leaders are working to responsibly revive pola...
06/20/2026

The AP recently highlighted Kaktovik, Alaska, where Alaska Native village leaders are working to responsibly revive polar bear tourism through a community-led model that protects residents, respects subsistence traditions, and shares Iñupiat culture with visitors.

American Indigenous Tourism Association CEO Sherry L. Rupert is featured in the story, emphasizing the value of multi-day cultural experiences that help visitors leave with a greater understanding of Indigenous people, lifeways, and culture.

Read the full story: https://apnews.com/article/alaska-native-village-polar-bear-tourism-11377f3dcbf0191837db13d072440441

06/19/2026

🏛️🎨 Are you working in museums, cultural centers, interpretation, or heritage tourism?

Bring your knowledge to the stage at our 28th annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference and help attendees discover new ways to strengthen visitor experiences, storytelling, and cultural tourism development.

📅 Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026
🔗 Apply Today: https://americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc/

📍Every region has a story. Every voice helps shape the path forward.The American Indigenous Tourism Association is gathe...
06/18/2026

📍Every region has a story. Every voice helps shape the path forward.

The American Indigenous Tourism Association is gathering input to better understand what Indigenous tourism communities, businesses, and partners need most. Your responses will help guide future resources, training, and regional support.

Take the short, anonymous survey today:
👉 https://americanindigenoustourism.org/survey

Address

5366 Snyder Avenue
Carson City, NV
89701

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