American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Travel Unity Partner to Promote Inclusive and Culturally Respectful Tourism

New memorandum of understanding aims to cultivate a more inclusive tourism industry ensuring Indigenous voices are amplified across the travel sector 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (February 18, 2025) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, and Travel Unity announced that the organizations have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a shared commitment to cultivate a more inclusive tourism industry, ensuring that Indigenous voices are amplified and included in all sectors of travel. 

The announcement comes after the MOU was signed at the International Inbound Travel Association’s (IITA) Summit last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. AIANTA and IITA also entered an MOU in October 2023. 

“As AIANTA continues to grow our partnerships and deepen Indigenous representation in the tourism industry, it’s important to have an ally like Travel Unity, who aligns with our mission to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism in the U.S.,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “Our partnership with Travel Unity is an important step in ensuring that Indigenous tourism is not only culturally sensitive but also accessible and welcoming to all.”

In addition to supporting each other's mission, the MOU will promote inclusive practices, share resources, and provide networking and educational opportunities that benefit American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities and the greater tourism industry. 

“Collaborating with AIANTA provides an invaluable opportunity to integrate Indigenous perspectives into our shared vision for a diverse and inclusive travel industry, said Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss. “We look forward to the impactful work we’ll accomplish together.”

For more than 26 years, AIANTA has worked to address inequities in the tourism system and has served as the national voice for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian nations engaged in cultural tourism, while providing technical assistance, training and capacity building to Native Nations and communities and Native-owned enterprises engaged in tourism, hospitality, and recreation.

Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Native culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel. 

About AIANTA:
For more than 26 years, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Native board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $15.7 billion Native hospitality sector. AIANTA’s successful legislative work led to the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) tourism that honors traditions and values while helping AIANNH businesses become market/export ready for domestic and international markets. Visit www.aianta.org to learn more.  

About Travel Unity:

Travel Unity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities. Travel Unity educates the travel industry on inclusive practices and cultivates connections with marginalized communities. Visit www.travelunity.org to learn more. 

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AIANTA Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com 

 Photo credit: AIANTA // Pictured: Sherry L. Rupert, CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Roni Weiss, Executive Director, Travel Unity