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O me'a"kwa: Tamano Mah Ni
(I’m going to travel over there, Northern Paiute)
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Tamano mah ni. (It’s springtime now, Northern Paiute). Spring is a time of growth and renewal. It is the season for cherry blossoms, maple syrup, Easter eggs, and yes, finally, a return to Spring Break travel. All signs are pointing towards a robust travel season this spring, with more than half of travelers planning travel during the season and one in three travelers planning a trip during Spring Break. In good news for Indian Country, 75% of those travelers are reporting they plan to stay on domestic soil.
If you are interested in growing your inbound visitor traffic, we at AIANTA stand ready to help.
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AIANTA is seeking an energetic, well-organized self-starter to serve in the following position:
Agritourism Specialist, Native Product and Program
Deadline to apply: March 25, 2022
The Agritourism Specialist, Native Product and Program is a full-time, exempt position appointed by the CEO of AIANTA.
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AIANTA Launches Fourth Annual Tourism Sentiment Survey |
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“Although the tourism industry was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are signs that the visitor industry is on the verge of recovery,” said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA. “This survey will help us collect a comprehensive picture of how Indian Country is feeling about tourism for 2022 and beyond.”
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Attracting Group and International Travelers
April 19 – 20, 2022
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Designed to help tribal tourism businesses attract more group and international travelers, Go International features expert speakers and hands-on presentations that will guide tribal enterprises and businesses in conceptualizing and developing their tourism product(s) and promoting them to tour operators, wholesalers and the travel trade.
Thanks to Our Go International Sponsors
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AIANTA Announces New Partnership with SMS Research |
AIANTA Announces New Partnership with SMS Research
AIANTA is thrilled to announce that we will once again be partnering with Honolulu-based SMS Research. SMS will be conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Native tourism industry. You may remember we worked with SMS last year to conduct our first-ever Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses study, which found that Native tourism businesses in the U.S. generate $14 billion in annual receipts.
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June 5-8, 2022
Orlando, Florida
Join AIANTA and Indigenous tourism enterprises from around the country in a shared booth at IPW, the largest international tourism tradeshow in the United States.
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AIANTA Introduces First Town Hall Session of 2022 |
AIANTA Town Hall Series: Technical Assistance & Training Opportunities
From Tourism 101 to the intricacies of international outreach, AIANTA’s experienced team helps tribes and native-owned businesses create tourism experiences that honor culture, tradition and history. During this Town Hall, you’ll meet an advisory group guiding AIANTA’s Leave No Trace partnership program, and learn how the group has been working to create resources that will prepare travelers to be more respectful and responsible during their visits to Tribal lands.
Additionally, AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) and Board President Emerson Vallo (Pueblo of Acoma) will lead an open dialog with attendees on how they can engage with AIANTA in the year ahead. This is your opportunity to tell us what your needs are. How can we help you grow and develop in the tourism industry? What types of training would you like to see piloted at Go International, the American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), our Cultural Heritage Certificate Programs and through our AIANTA Webinar Series?
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It's Women's History Month |
March is Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month. Every year, AIANTA lists a few exceptional Native American women leaders in Cultural Heritage Tourism. This year's list includes Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo), Mary Goddard (Tlingit), Penny Peters (Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe), Mālia Sanders (Native Hawaiian), and Marie Torosian (Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes). Learn more about these inspiring ladies at the link below.
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AIANTA is Growing
AIANTA is growing! We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Larry Burton, our new BLM Partner Coordinator, who will be working remotely out of his Carson City, Nevada, location. We also welcome Jolene Catron, our new NPS Partner Program Coordinator, who is based right here in Albuquerque. Take a moment to learn more about Larry and Jolene or send them an email to say hello.
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GWU Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism |
May 2 – June 19, 2022
Explore the fundamentals of tribal tourism planning with the Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by AIANTA in partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies.
The online program brings together industry experts who help students explore the importance of including authentic Native American cultural experiences in their tourism planning.
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AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship |
The Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship provides American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students with financial assistance towards a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts or related fields.
Each year, AIANTA awards three individuals who have met all scholarship application criteria. Students are awarded $1,000 per semester (fall and spring semester only). Each student can earn a maximum award of $2,000 per academic school year.
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AIANTA Finalizing its Guide to Tribal Attractions Along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail |
AIANTA is working in partnership with the National Park Service to identify tribes and their attractions along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The attractions will be published in a print and online guide. We are nearing the end of gathering information for the guide and the accompanying map with traditional place names and Indigenous sites of significance.
It’s not too late to be included. If your tribe or business is along the trail, contact Gail Chehak at gchehak@aianta.org.
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AIANTA Continues Outreach to Tribes Along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail |
Plans are underway by AIANTA’s Lewis & Clark team for a spring trip to North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. The team is excited about the opportunity to reach out to tribal businesses, attractions, landmarks and other points of interest on and around the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
AIANTA is working in partnership with the National Park Service in developing cultural heritage content and itineraries for the the travel website of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, www.LewisandClark.travel, as well as AIANTA’s tribal tourism-focused website, NativeAmerica.travel.
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American Indian Tourism Conference |
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American Indian Tourism Conference
"Rising Together for the Journey Ahead"
October 24 – 27, 2022
The annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) will be held at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in partnership with The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in Funner, California.
AITC, now celebrating its 24th anniversary, is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s indigenous communities.
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AIANTA is now accepting speaker proposals for breakout sessions during the 24th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference. Please email AIANTA’s Education Manager Bianca Mitchell at bmitchell@aianta.org if you are interested in participating in AITC 2022.
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The American Indian Tourism Conference paves the way for tribal inclusion within the larger tourism infrastructure, while also guiding the conversations that help Indigenous communities find their own success in the hospitality industry. Sponsors of the American Indian Tourism Conference help AIANTA lead these critical discussions, while also providing the framework tribes and indigenous communities need to develop, introduce, grow and sustain cultural tourism. Contact AIANTA’s Education Manager Bianca Mitchell at bmitchell@aianta.org if you are interested in sponsoring AITC 2022.
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Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards |
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The Best in Indian Country Tourism
As the only organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous tourism across the United States, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) recognizes the best of Indian Country travel and tourism at its annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards ceremony, held every year during the American Indian Tourism Conference.
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AIANTA's Webinar Series presents marketing tips, funding opportunities and other tips for creating and growing successful tribal tourism enterprises. |
Upcoming Webinars
Globalize Your Website: A Webinar for Native American Tourism Businesses
March 22, 2022: 10:00 a.m. MST
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Business Strategy and Financials in Uncertain Times
March 29, 2022; 10 a.m. MST
On-Demand Webinars
Working With the International Trade
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Enjoy fishing and the outdoors? Join us for an adventure with Redsky Sportsfishing in the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska.
"My name is Roby Medina and I own and operate Redsky Sportfishing. I am a small-time operation and offer lodging and 3 full days of ocean fishing based out of Klawock on Prince of Wales Island. I’m a lifelong local and an Alaskan Native and have been professionally guiding for 15 years."
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Located in the heart of the Redwoods on the banks of the mystical Klamath River - sits the Historic Requa Inn. Named for the Yurok "the mouth of the river" the Inn was built in 1914 - with 14 bedrooms and in an Arts and Crafts Inn - where the Owner, Jan Wortman, a Yurok Tribal Elder will share her home, her stories and her incredible cooking with guests from all over the world. This is the first time in 160 years that this property, located on the Yurok reservation has been owned by a Yurok Tribal member, an accomplishment in itself.
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Claim Your Free Listing at NativeAmerica.travel |
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NativeAmerica.travel is AIANTA's premier destination website, connecting travelers to unique American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian destinations in the United States. Join the leading travel resource for visitors seeking authentic indigenous travel experiences!
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AIANTA Guides & Publications |
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Native Tourism In the News |
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AIANTA in the News
AIANTA CEO Sherry Rupert facilitates national discussion, inclusion of Native tourism industry
Regenerative Tourism
AIANTA CEO Appointed to US Travel Association Board of Directors
Registration open for Montana Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation
As Yellowstone National Park Turns 150, Indigenous Voices Take Center Stage
CEO Sherry Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) was appointed to the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association
AIANTA CEO Appointed to US Travel Board of Directors
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Native Tourism in the News
Native American event at UH West Oahu seeks to share, celebrate Indigenous cultures
Cherokee winemaker turned hobby into business
Featured: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Primavera ed estate dell'Idaho e del Montana con musica, gastronomia, parate, rodei e raduni di Nativi d'America (Spring in the State of Idaho with Music, Gastronomy, Parades, Rodeos, and Native American Gatherings)
UM Institute Gauges Attitudes Toward Montana Tourism
National parks aim to boost tribal nations' role in land management
It’s time to build Alaska's prosperous future
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shares Hawaiian lifestyle practices with dynamic new video series
Yellowstone National Park turns 150: Recognizing 'original stewards'
This piece was written by Eve Chen, who did the USA Today article w/ Sherry right after AITC.
Native Americans are at the heart of Yellowstone. After 150 years, they are finally being heard
Motorola's new Cherokee support is about preserving a language—and a culture
Sitka to host Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference
Feminism, History + Tourism: 16 Places to Celebrate DC's Badass Women
Featured: Cynthia Chavez Lamar, First Native American Director of the Smithsonian Institute
Protecting the Homeland: Former Principal Chief James Floyd of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation speaks about his connection to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and the need to further preserve the site.
Discover Adventure Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line
Featured: Icy Strait Point
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What's New With You?
Has your Tribe or Native-owned tourism business been featured in the news?
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Welcome New AIANTA Members
Sue Folsom, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Senior-Oklahoma Region)
Stefano Gerucci, ACI Blueteam-Universalturismo (Senior-International Region)
Ethel Green, Nez Perce Economic Development (Senior-Northwest Region)
Isabela Lizio, Mission Enterprise (Senior-Southern California Region)
Debbie Mekiana, Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development (Individual-Alaska Region)
Paula Wojtkowski, Unapologetically Rez (Individual-Oklahoma Region)
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Thank You Renewing AIANTA Members
Ann McCormack, Nez Perce Economic Development (Individual-Northwest Region)
Ben Sherman, World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (Senior-Southwest Region)
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Join AIANTA Now
AIANTA members are well-informed and play a key role in supporting sustainable and authentic tribal tourism that benefits not only member tribes, but all tribes. With your help, we’ll continue to make sure that the right national decision makers hear your voice—and all our voices—so our people can thrive and grow.
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Shop AIANTA at Amazon.com
AIANTA has joined the AmazonSmile charitable giving program. After you designate AIANTA as your preferred charitable organization through AmazonSmile, Amazon will contribute .5 percent of all purchases to help support AIANTA programming.
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Thank You to our 2021 AITC Sponsors |
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Platinum Sponsor
Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation
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Amber Sponsor
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
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Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
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Arizona Office of Tourism |
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Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort |
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Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino |
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NativeAmerica.Travel Facebook |
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Check out our brand new YouTube page. While you're there, please subscribe!
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Funding Opportunities
AIANTA collects funding opportunities that may be of interest to Indigenous or Native American tourism & hospitality enterprises looking to grow their tourism, culture, heritage, arts, agritourism or other culture and heritage programming.
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