The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA) have announced a new partnership to amplify awareness of Indigenous destinations across the United States. This historic agreement will help build visibility for Native Nations and communities among NTA’s network of travel professionals.

AIANTA, a national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations, and NTA — which seeks to lead responsible growth of travel to, from and within North America — will work together to educate NTA’s members on how to do business with Indigenous-owned businesses and sell Indigenous tourism experiences. 

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“We’re at a pivotal time for Indigenous tourism across our Native Nations and communities in the U.S.,” said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA. “With a heightened awareness of responsible travel, diverse travel experiences and cultural heritage tourism on the rise, this strategic partnership with the National Tour Association will help grow tourism to our Native Nations and communities while also providing education on how to do business with Indigenous operators.”

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According to the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report produced by AIANTA and SMS Research, American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses contribute $15.7 billion in annual sales to the tourism and hospitality sector in the U.S. The new partnership aims to further boost these economic opportunities.

“AIANTA’s mission statement and core values speak to NTA’s commitment to integrity, sustainability, inclusivity, collaboration and teamwork, learning and innovation,” said Catherine Prather, CTP, president of the National Tour Association. “By working together in this new partnership, we can increase awareness of Native Nations and destinations among NTA’s community of travel professionals.”

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The partnership builds on AIANTA’s 25-year track record of addressing inequities in the tourism system and serving as the national voice for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian nations engaged in cultural tourism.

Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.