Sherry L. Rupert and Brigette McConville at Salmon King Fisheries |
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O me'a"kwa
(I’m going to travel over there, Northern Paiute)
Testing the Waters
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It’s been a year since I first started talking about “cautious optimism” with respect to the visitor industry starting to re-open to travelers. Now, a year later, travel still hasn’t returned to its pre-pandemic levels.
By all accounts, however, our National Parks are expecting a big summer. Domestic travelers are expected to spend significant time and money on local experiences, staycations and road trips this year. All of this could be good news for tribal economies as the increased revenues generated by local and regional travelers can translate into additional revenues for tribes as well as new jobs.
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AIANTA To Showcase Economic Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism at RES 2021 |
As tribes and Native-owned businesses look to jump start their economies, AIANTA is attending NCAIED's Reservation Economic Summit (RES) at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino to highlight the economic importance of cultural heritage tourism.
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The Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism |
“Cultural tourism is a valuable economic driver which can create increased revenues and new job opportunities for tribal nations,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Washoe/Paiute), AIANTA CEO. “Research shows that at least 30 percent of American travelers have either planned travels around a cultural event or spent more on travel that incorporates local art or décor.”
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JW Marriott Scottsdale Inn Resort & Spa |
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AIANTA to Exhibit at the Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism |
AIANTA will be participating at the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GCOT). Sherry L. Rupert will be joining a panel discussion on how destinations, organizations and attractions can incorporate the Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace philosophy into their marketing programs.
The Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GCOT) is an educational and information-sharing event in Arizona for travel professionals and destination marketers, taking place at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn on August 2-3.
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AIANTA Town Hall Series Report:
Travelers to Indian Country & Native America.travel
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We had a very successful second Town Hall session where we spoke with participants about plans for a revamp of our consumer website NativeAmerica.travel. A recording of the session can be found on our website, in case you missed it!
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Join AIANTA in meeting the international tour operators and tourism pros who are responsible for bringing travelers to the United States.
AIANTA’s shared booth will present a cohesive tribal tourism message while also providing AIANTA partners with enhanced marketing opportunities through cross-promotional efforts and pre-show technical assistance and training.
Additionally, joining AIANTA will provide tribes and tribal enterprises with a substantial cost savings over attending IPW individually.
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Cultural Tourism Funding Opportunities |
AIANTA has recently redesigned our Funding Opportunities webpage to make it easier for you to find potential funding sources for your cultural heritage programming.
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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Town Hall Series:
Tourism Marketing Initiatives for 2022 and Beyond
September 29, 2021, 1 p.m. MDT
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As AIANTA enters its new fiscal year, the association is rolling out an exciting series of new partner opportunities. Joining AIANTA’s already established partnerships with the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, the Lewis & Clark National Trail and the Native American Agriculture Fund, we will also be celebrating 250 (and more) years of Native American history in conjunction with the America250 Partnership and a brand new marketing initiative with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
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During the 23rd annual American Indian Tourism Conference, held in Fort McDowell, Arizona, area tribes will showcase distinctive cultural tourism experiences unique to Arizona. Be sure to come early to AITC to learn more about Native culture and heritage in the Southwest.
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Fort McDowell Adventures Trail Ride // © Fort McDowell Adventures |
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Handmade Native Dolls by Frieda Drymon (Navajo)
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During the gala, the AITC Silent Auction raises funding for AIANTA’s Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Program, which benefits Native students pursuing post-secondary degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management and other tourism-related fields. Check out all the amazing items up for auction.
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Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism |
The first guide of its kind, Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism was created to inspire Native American and indigenous farmers, ranchers and other food producers interested in expanding their agricultural operations to include visitor components.
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Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail |
In partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), AIANTA is chronicling the stories of the tribes located on or near the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
The three-year partnership will result in educational webinars, a print/online guidebook reflecting past and present-day tribal attractions at key spots along the trail, and a first-of-its kind map, that will translate key locations along the trail back in their original native locators.
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Experience Native America Along the Lewis & Clark Trail |
In partnership with the National Park Service, AIANTA is working with tribes adjacent to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to develop cultural heritage content and itineraries. The project is bringing together businesses, attractions, landmarks and other points of interest on and around the trail to help promote sustainable tourism.
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Dancers at Shoshone-Bannock Powwow |
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AIANTA's Webinar Series presents marketing tips, funding opportunities and other tips for creating and growing successful tribal tourism enterprises.
Save the Date
Tuesday, July 27, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT
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On-Demand Webinars
July 13, 2021
June 22, 2021
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American Indian Tourism Conference |
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American Indian Tourism Conference
October 25-28, 2021
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Fort McDowell (Scottsdale), Arizona
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Extend your visibility by sponsoring the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference, the only national conference dedicated to travel and tourism in Indian Country.
A conference sponsorship helps AIANTA augment its hands-on programming at this annual gathering while providing you and/or your organization with increased exposure through our conference marketing.
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Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction |
AITC concludes with an evening gala, the 10th annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction, held at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
As the only organization dedicated to advancing indigenous tourism across the United States, AIANTA recognizes the best of Indian Country travel and tourism at its annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards (formerly known as the Enough Good People Industry Awards) ceremony.
Winners of these prestigious awards have made a significant impact on tribal tourism, have helped AIANTA achieve its mission, foster a greater understanding of and appreciation for authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts, and showcase the best of Indian Country travel and tourism. Hurry, the deadline to submit is August 31, 2021.
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Now entering its 23rd year, the annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s indigenous communities. Every year the conference attracts more than 300 attendees, who attend for the networking opportunities, the high-level keynote sessions, and the informative breakout sessions led by some of the leading hospitality industry professionals.
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Tamástslikt Cultural Institute Information |
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Tamástslikt Cultural Institute tells the story of three American Indian Tribes, the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, who for more than 10,000 years inhabited the Plateau region of the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. They welcomed and assisted the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803-1806 and Clark documented the contacts in his journal. Some 40 years later, the Oregon Trail cut through the heart of their homelands.
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Join Alaskan Dream Cruises on an all-inclusive, small ship cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. All of their itineraries offer a mix of excursions in intriguing towns and Native villages, as well as adventures in raw wilderness bays and glacial fjords.
Their approach to small ship cruising pairs comfort with adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Every Alaskan Dream Cruises experience is hand-picked for its value in immersing you in True Alaska.
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AIANTA in the News
Healthy and Vibrant Communities
It’s summer time, and with vaccinations, folks are feeling more confident about taking in the sites on tribal lands. Sherry L. Rupert works with tribes and entrepreneurs at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Visitors will see some changes since COVID-19 put a halt to tourism.
The Wrap: Land Home to Bison Restored
The deadline to apply for a American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association scholarship that awards $1,000 a semester is July 9. The financial assistance is for students working towards a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts or related fields.
Vaccinated, Ready to Travel
Sherry L. Rupert heads the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The organization's mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values. Agri-tourism is one of its new initiatives.
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Tribal Tourism in the News
July 9, 2021
July 6, 2021
July 6, 2021
July 5, 2021
June 30, 2021
June 29, 2021
June 7, 2021
June 3, 2021
Has your Tribe or tribal tourism enterprise been featured in the news?
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Welcome New AIANTA Members
Renewals
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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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Mark Your Calendars For These Upcoming Events
23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference
Dates: October 25-28, 2021
Location: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Fort McDowell, Arizona
AIANTA Town Hall Series: Tourism Marketing Initiatives for 2022 and Beyond
September 29, 2021, 1 p.m. (MDT/New Mexico)
www.aianta.org/aianta-town-hall-series
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Funding Opportunities
Tribes and Tribal organizations (as defined in the NATIVE Act) to receive grants to support Tribal tourism feasibility studies and/or Tribal tourism business plan development. The Program supports Tribes and Tribal organizations to increase their capacity to plan, develop and manage tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development and the NATIVE Act. The Program will provide funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations to conduct tourism feasibility studies that will empower them to make informed decisions on potential tourism project(s).
Sign up for AIANTA newsletters (or update your subscription) now to receive our monthly Funding Opportunities notices.
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The America250 team is now seeking a Senior Manager of Tribal Partnerships. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2021.
Note: The job openings posted here are links to external positions and listed for informational purpose only. They are listed as a courtesy for AIANTA’s partners and subscribers, and AIANTA is not responsible for any information changes, including early closures of the application process.
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Thank You to our 2021 AITC Sponsors |
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Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation |
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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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