AIANTA and Travel Unity team up to promote inclusive, culturally respectful tourism

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the nation’s sole organization dedicated to promoting cultural heritage tourism within Native Nations and communities across the U.S., has announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Travel Unity. The agreement reflects a shared vision to build a more inclusive tourism industry that prioritizes the inclusion and amplification of Indigenous voices in every facet of travel.

The MOU was signed during the International Inbound Travel Association’s (IITA) Summit last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. This agreement follows another recent partnership between AIANTA and IITA, formalized in October 2023.

“As AIANTA continues to expand partnerships and strengthen Indigenous visibility in tourism, having a collaborator like Travel Unity—whose mission complements our own is vital,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “This partnership is a major milestone in ensuring Indigenous tourism is not only culturally respectful, but also inclusive and welcoming to all.”

The MOU aims to bolster both organizations’ missions by encouraging inclusive industry practices, sharing valuable resources, and offering educational and networking opportunities that benefit American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, as well as the broader travel industry.

“Partnering with AIANTA offers a meaningful opportunity to embed Indigenous viewpoints into our mutual goal of a more equitable and diverse tourism landscape,” said Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss. “We’re excited about the meaningful progress we can make together.”

For more than 26 years, AIANTA has led efforts to challenge inequities in the tourism sector, serving as a national advocate for Indigenous nations involved in cultural tourism. The organization also provides vital technical support, training, and development resources for Native-owned businesses in tourism, hospitality, and recreation.

Native communities interested in launching or growing their cultural tourism initiatives can access tools and guidance at www.aianta.org, while travelers eager to explore Native cultures can plan their journeys at www.nativeamerica.travel.

Share: