The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | Jan. 09, 2024

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week:

Meet our new Content & Social Media Coordinator!

McKayla Lee (Dinè) is the new Content and Social Media Coordinator for AIANTA. She was born and raised on the Navajo Nation near Whale Rock, Arizona and currently lives in Montana with her fiancé, daughter and corgi. She is an award winning reporter and photographer, her journalism background within tribal communities and government will only help her stay committed to AIANTA’s mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values. As the Content & Social Media Coordinator she will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of AIANTA’s content needs, including the management of all association social media sites, all newsletter content, all digital communications, all website updates, and the development of AIANTA graphics. 

Journey to Success: Navigating Indigenous Tourism Excellence through Self-Assessment

January 16, 2024

Designed for Indigenous tourism operators and leaders, the transformative AIANTA webinar guides you through the intricacies of self-evaluation, empowering you to enhance and elevate your offerings. Join industry experts as we

• Delve into the key components of Indigenous cultural tourism, exploring the criteria that define authenticity and excellence
• From the cultural narratives you share to the cleanliness of your destinations, learn how to critically assess every facet of your tourism experience
• Gain valuable insights into customer service, logistics, technology integration, and eco-friendly practices
• This webinar will inspire you to boost visitor satisfaction through strategic improvements.

RFP Open for FY 2024 OIED/AIANTA NATIVE Act Tourism Capacity Building Grants

RFP Deadline: January 16, 2024

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization supporting cultural tourism efforts in Native Nations and communities, and the Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED) are working jointly to implement the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act (Public Law 114-221) through technical assistance and training and through capacity building grants. In alignment with the NATIVE Act, the overarching goals of this project are to provide tourism capacity building grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Native Hawaiian Organizations to enhance the visitor experience and provide economic and cultural benefits to Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Get your applications in today!

AIANTA/ASU Sustainable Tourism Partnership

January 23, 2024

In partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) Center for Sustainable Tourism housed in the School of Community Resources and Development, AIANTA is offering the online Certificate in Sustainable Tourism for Native Nations and Communities. The purpose of the online Sustainable Tourism for Native Nations and Communities Certificate (STC)

• is to provide participants with an overview of sustainable tourism and how it can be incorporated into their community’s tourism planning and development
• The certificate will provide sustainable tourism curriculum with a specific emphasis on American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism efforts offered both as a professional development option and a university credit option
• The Center for Sustainable Tourism and its affiliated partners, faculty and students seek to examine the role and contribution of tourism in the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of communities
• The Center's research, education, and development activities focus on long-term, system-wide, sustainable strategies, and co-created solutions for community and tourism development

Introduction to Working With Mt. Rainier Concessions

January 30, 2024

The National Park Service works with concessionaires to offer goods and services to park visitors. The concessionaires operate lodging, gift shops, tours and other services like bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals. This webinar will use the Mount Rainier National Park as an example of how to work with its concessionaire, Guest Services, Inc.

• The webinar will guide Tribal nations, enterprises, and artisans in displaying and selling their work within the park.
• Guest Services, Inc. will outline their specific requirements for sales within the park.
• The webinar will cover the application process and provide information on available technical assistance options.