AIANTA/IITA Partnership Showcases Value of International Tourism

IITA’s Lisa Simon spoke at the American Indigenous Tourism Conference, hosted by AIANTA (American Indian Alaska Native Travel Association) in Marksville, Louisiana, to share the importance of international inbound business and how to best work with inbound operators. The discussion, moderated by AIANTA CEO Sherry Rupert, included Catherine Prather, president of the National Tour Association. Both associations are partners with AIANTA to help bridge connections between indigenous tourism businesses and travel trade sellers. 

Lisa discussed the growing interest among international markets for authentic, cultural experiences, specifically indigenous travel, and other travel trends to help Native businesses navigate the travel and tourism ecosystem. She shared the specific needs of inbound operators and international travelers and why international business is important to destinations to fill off-peak times and unused inventory. 

IITA and AIANTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last year to work cooperatively to grow international visitation to Native Nations, destinations and properties through cross education and strengthening the linkage between AIANTA and IITA to help members of both organizations make connections.

Read for more information on the AITC.