Indigenous Tourism Association Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week May 4-10 with its Top Indigenous Experiences List of 2025
American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association invites travelers to experience authentic storytelling and Indigenous heritage with immersive cultural tourism
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (May 1, 2025) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, invites travelers to visit Indigenous experiences and destinations this travel season, as the U.S. Travel Association kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 4-10, 2025.
AIANTA is proud to highlight the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and the unique travel opportunities they offer with the launch of its Top 10 Indigenous Experiences of 2025 list, showcasing remarkable cultural tourism opportunities across Native Nations and communities in the U.S. This year’s list features a wide array of experiences, from immersive cultural events and historical site visits to outdoor adventures and serenity journeys. These experiences provide travelers with authentic and diverse insights into the traditions, heritage, and lives of Indigenous communities across the U.S. while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous peoples.
“National Travel and Tourism Week is the perfect time to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous tourism to the U.S. travel industry,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. “Indigenous tourism not only offers enriching experiences for travelers but also supports the economic development of Native Nations and helps preserve their cultural heritage. Our Top 10 list provides travelers with an exceptional starting point for discovering the incredible diversity and depth of Indigenous cultures in the U.S.”
AIANTA’s 2025 Top Indigenous Experiences List showcases destinations and experiences across the country, including:
- 2025 Indigenous Destination of the Year – Inn of the Mountain Gods, New Mexico
- 2025 Best Cultural Heritage Experience – Choctaw Cultural Center, Oklahoma
- 2025 Excellence in Customer Service – Paragon Casino Resort, Louisiana
- Cultural Sites that Inspire: The Hibulb Cultural Center, Washington and The Chickasaw Cultural Center, Oklahoma
- Character is Power: No Voice is Too Soft – Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend
- Happy Trails: Adventure Awaits – Fire Mountain Trails, North Carolina
- Escape & Wander – Pacific Alaska Tours, Alaska
- Whisper to the Past: Uncovering History – Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Florida and The Ute Indian Museum, Colorado
- Serenity of Still Waters – The Pyramid Lake, Nevada
To view the full list, visit www.aianta.org/resources/publications.
Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue—equivalent to $1,490 per household.
Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. 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., according to the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report, produced by AIANTA in partnership with Honolulu-based SMS Research.
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 Indigenous-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 Indigenous 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 Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values. 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 Indigenous culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.
Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian, APR
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com
Photo:
Photo credit: AIANTA
Caption: AIANTA’s Top Indigenous Experiences of 2025