The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | August 8, 2022

AIANTA CEO, Sherry Rupert In front of the Governor’s home in San Juan, Puerto Rico

U.S. Travel Association's Summer Board Meeting

As a member of the U.S. Travel Association's Board of Directors, I traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the Summer Board Meeting. During the meeting, I had the opportunity to network with colleagues old and new and learn about how tourism is faring through the pandemic. It was an honor to represent our native nations in this capacity and continue to elevate our voices within the national tourism industry.

Do you know an individual or enterprise that has significantly impacted tribal tourism this year? An enterprise or an individual who has gone above and beyond to provide the best customer service, best cultural heritage experience, or best Tribal destination?

Nominate them for an Excellence in Tourism Industry Award.

Winners will be announced at our annual AITC Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction, held on October 27, 2022, at Harrah's Resort Southern California.

We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Professional Certificate Program Registration

Registration Deadline: August 22, 2022

Don't miss your chance to participate in the Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism, presented in partnership with AIANTA and the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies.

Cultural heritage tourism is a growing sector in the travel industry, accounting for an estimated 40% of all tourism worldwide. Join this professional certificate program to learn from leading experts on how to develop and market cultural tourism offerings.

Join Malia Sanders, Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) and Kainoa Daines, Senior Brand Director of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) as we explore the Malama Hawai‘i Program, an initiative designed to bring community, industry and visitors together.

AIANTA is seeking qualified candidates for eight open leadership positions on its Board of Directors.

Positions in the following regions will expire in October 2022:

• Southeast (AL, AR, East TX, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC and TN)
• Midwest (MI, MN and WI)
• Hawaii
• Alaska (outside of Southeast Alaska)
• Central California
• Rocky Mountain (MT, WY, ND and SD)

Positions currently open for the remainder of the terms:

• Pacific Northwest (OR, Northern CA), term expires 2024
• Central Plains (IA, IL, IN, KS, MS, NE, OH), term expires 2023

If you are interested in applying, please submit an application to AIANTA by Friday, September 2, 2022 by 5 pm MT.