The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | May 15, 2023

Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families across the country! It is so inspiring to see so many Native students graduating in all areas of study and all levels of degrees!

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

AITC Registration Is Opening Soon!

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is scheduled for October 2-5, 2023, at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing travel and tourism in America's indigenous communities. The conference attracts more than 300 attendees annually, who attend networking opportunities, high-level keynote sessions and informative breakout sessions led by leading hospitality industry experts.

The AITC is perfect for tribal leaders, tribal entrepreneurs and staff working in tourism, museums, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation, camping and RV Parks, planning and economic development, workforce development, cultural preservation, transportation, hotels and casinos, arts programs, gift shops and youth programs. It also provides value to tour operators, travel agents and media interested in learning more about Indian Country Tourism. Artisans and Exhibitors interested in networking with these partners should secure an exhibitor booth to share their art, products and services.

Our 25^th Anniversary theme, “We are Still Here!” speaks to the journey that the nation’s 574 federally-recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiians have endured on the lands and waters they and their ancestors have called home for thousands of years. Much like these Tribes, AIANTA has persevered and met the challenges head on, emerging yet stronger and more determined than ever to ensure that our people and our stories are heard around the globe. AIANTA, started with an idea, that our communities could be part of one of the largest industries in the world and 25 years later, We are Still Here, setting the table for the next 25 years and beyond!

Tribal Row is Growing at the 2023 IPW,

San Antonio, TX

Exciting news! AIANTA will be attending IPW in San Antonio from May 21-25. IPW is the ultimate travel industry event, bringing together travel professionals from around the world for a week of unparalleled networking and business opportunities. The event showcases the very best of the United States, highlighting its diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities.

Come visit us at booth #947 where we'll be showcasing the richness of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian cultural experiences alongside our incredible Booth Partners:

• Akwesasne Travel
•  Black Streak Canyon Tours
• MHA Tourism
• Nevada's Indian Territory
•  Nez Perce Tourism
• Sitka Tribe of Alaska/Tribal Tours
• Tse Bighanilini Tours

And our extended Tribal Row featuring:

• Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
• Dineh Tours
• Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise

We're excited to present a cohesive message about Native tourism and share the unique cultural offerings of our communities. See you there or follow us on our socials for our daily updates! 

GW & AIANTA Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism: Information Session Webinar

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:00am (Mountain)

Join us for an information session on the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW) in partnership with AIANTA. This 7-week online program provides tourism entrepreneurs and community leaders with the tools to identify and develop tourism assets.

During this informational session, Strategic Program Advisor, Stephanie Westhelle, will provide an overview of program content, structure and time commitment. Next, session participants will have the opportunity to hear from one of the program instructors, Judy Walden. She teaches the Introduction to Cultural Heritage Tourism course. Ms. Walden will discuss examples of cultural heritage tourism and their importance to tribal communities. This will include a highlight of recent trends and statistics associated with cultural heritage tourism. Dr. Kristin Lamoureux teaches the Tourism Planning & Management Course and will discuss tools that participants can use to engage their communities in cultural heritage tourism planning processes. These processes include assessing tourism potential, determining readiness, evaluating costs and benefits of development, and introducing local tourism management models.

There will be an opportunity for Q&A near the end of the information session.

North Dakota and South Dakota Release a

New 9-Day Itinerary

The South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance has recently released a new 9-day itinerary that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the tribes in the state. This is an excellent opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the unique traditions and customs of Native American communities.

AITC Silent Auction Call for Donations!

Join us October 2-5, 2023 at the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction to honor the best in Indian Country and raise money to help build a professional workforce. The 25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) in Durant, Oklahoma at the Choctaw Casino Resort, concludes with a memorable evening gala for the 12th annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction. 

During the gala, guests have the opportunity to bid for Native art from around the country, as well as other items and gift certificates to a variety of amazing Native destinations. The proceeds from the silent auction raise funds for AIANTA’s Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Program.

You can help AIANTA raise funds for our scholarship program by donating your art, or other items or by purchasing a table. Your support helps American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursue post-secondary degrees in hospitality, tourism management and other tourism-related fields. 

All Silent Auction donations must be received by September 30, 2023.