AIANTA in the News

The Native tourism outlook
Native America Calling; April 9, 2021
The pandemic has taken a toll on one of Native America’s leading economic development sources. But that doesn’t mean cultural tourism and gaming are finished. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association lists a number of destinations and experiences that remain viable despite the lingering worries about COVID-19. And despite the slow pace of reopened businesses and public spaces, AIANTA and tribal tourism officials are also looking ahead with optimism about the prospects for 2021. See also Indianz.com

NATOW Forms Historic Partnership With AIANTA
Lake Superior News; March 25, 2021
NATOW is proud to announce its historic partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), a national center for providing tourism and recreational travel technical assistance, training and capacity building to American Indian nations.

Traveling on Stolen Land: How to Acknowledge and Respect its Indigenous Identity
tripsavvy; March 25, 2021
For help identifying Indigenous-run tourism operations in North America, check out the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association or the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Australia and New Zealand also have organizations that promote Indigenous tourism nationally.

Visit USA Italy guarda al futuro
T&A Magazine; March 11, 2021
Un forte impulso verrà dato alla promozione della destinazione sui social media per raggiungere un pubblico sempre più ampio co Il premio Simonetta Busnelli, sponsorizzato da American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), è andato a Marco Berchi per il consumer award per la promozione degli Usa.

Showcase Usa Italy, l’edizione virtual prepara il terreno per la ripartenza
L’agenzia di Viaggi; March 11, 2021
Il 2 marzo sono stati consegnati i Premi Stampa alla presenza di Isabella Cascarano, minister counselor for Foreign affairs. Il premio Simonetta Busnelli, sponsorizzato da American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (Aianta) è andato a Marco Berchi per il consumer award per la promozione degli Usa.

20 Influential Women in the Travel Industry
TravelPulse; March 8, 2021
This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight women who have done and are doing so much to affect change in the travel industry. They’re leading as examples, pushing forth initiatives, and calling on the travel industry to do better, to be better.

U.S.Commercial Service to Recognize Women Exporters
Just The Real News; March 2, 2021
In honor of International Women’s Day, the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service will host an event to honor women exporters. This event will be held on March 8 and is part of their Women’s Global Trade Empowerment Program, a premier resource for for women entrepreneurs who wish to boldly grow their business into new markets.

Celebrating Our First Ten Years: The Walk That Launched Native News Online
Native News Online; February 15, 2021
Since then, I have covered the White House tribal nations conferences during the Obama administration, Capitol Hill hearings and national meetings of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the National Indian Gaming Association, the National Indian Housing Council, and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and others.

An Unlikely Publisher Celebrates 10 Years of Covering News in Indian Country
Native News Online; February 15, 2021
Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, offered her thoughts: “From a tiny operation of just 16 readers when it started ten years ago, Native News Online has grown to almost five million-page views this past year. The site is the very embodiment of the importance of following your dreams—something we always encourage with our Native tourism partners. Native News Online is an unbiased source of information on the happenings and events that are critical to Native peoples across the country and we congratulate Levi Rickert on ten years of successful news coverage.”

AIANTA Introduces New Tribal Relations & Outreach Department
e-Turbo News; February 15, 2021
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) is celebrating the formation of a new department, the Tribal Relations & Outreach Department, which was created to further the organization’s goals in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships.

Guiding Lights; Tribal cultural tourism pros to share industry expertise
Tribal Business News; February 22, 2021
Begay wants to help aspiring Native tourism entrepreneurs navigate the industry. At 9 a.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, she and Stacia Morfin, CEO of Nez Perce Tourism in Idaho, will share their industry expertise via a free Zoom webinar.

The session, “Interpreting Culture: How to Run a Successful Tour Business,” is presented by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Park Service.

A Native American Love Story; By T.J. Young AKA Sgwaayaans
She the People News; February 3, 2021
T.J.Young, aka, Sgwaayaans, is a member of the Yaadaas Eagle Clan. He’s drawn to tell tales of his Tribe~artfully. Honoring his ancestors from Hydaburg, Alaska ,Sgwaayaans has a knack for super-sizing legends to landmark the customs of his Kaigani, Haida Tribal Nation. (Story facilitated by AIANTA);

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: New guidebook explores growing tribal agritourism industry
Tribal Business News; February 2, 2021
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s program is one of six tribal agritourism ventures spanning the United States that is highlighted in the new educational handbook, “Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism.” Released by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) with funding from the Native American Agricultural Fund, the free guidebook can be downloaded at this link.

People’s Center rebrands, changes name
Char-Koosta News, January 27, 2021
CSKT Council approved on Tuesday the name-change to “Three Chief’s Culture Center and Gift Shop. . . The idea of rebranding came after staff learned about it at American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Conferences.

AIANTA CEO appointed to National Marine Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council
e-Turbo News, January 13, 2021
The advisory panel will work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to promote sustainable recreation and tourism within the National Marine Sanctuary System

Visiting Indigenous Communities is a Delicate Balance of Respect and Education
Matador Network, October 12, 2020
For insight into respectful, responsible Indigenous tourism, Matador Network spoke with Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, and Geri Hongeva, board president of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA). Heed their advice before setting foot on Indigenous land, especially if you’ve been invited to tour a tribal community.

Twin Arrows Trading Post
Features AIANTA’s American Indians & Route 66 Guide // The Flashnites, October 10, 2020

AIANTA’s Tourism Industry Leaders Power Forward

The pandemic may have temporarily brought tourism operations across Tribal Nations to a standstill, but venues have reopened with safety measures in place, and Tribes are preparing for a resurgence when the dust settles. // Native Business, September 30, 2020

Native Travel Group Names Cherokee Nation Top Destination

Cherokee Nation was recently named as the 2020 Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. // Tulsa World, September 21, 2020

Cherokee Nation Receives National Recognition

Cherokee Nation was recently named as the 2020 Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. // The Claremore Progress, September 18, 2020

Cherokee Nation wins tribal destination, customer service awards

The Cherokee Nation earned an esteemed award from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association at its annual Enough Good People Industry Awards on Sept. 16 during the 22nd annual American Indian Tourism Conference. // Tahlequah Daily Press, September 18, 2020

AIANTA Recognizes Best Tribal Destinations

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) recognized the best tribal destinations and tourism industry leaders at its annual Enough Good People Industry Awards program. // e-Turbo News, September 17, 2020

Cherokee Nation wins tribal destination, customer service awards

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has announced the keynote lineup for its annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) Sept. 14-18.. // Los Alamos Daily Post, August 13, 2020

AIANTA Board Positions open in Alaska, Midwest, Southwest
e-TurboNews; August 15, 2020
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) Nominating Committee met on August 13, 2020 to nominate a slate of candidates recommended for each position on the AIANTA Board of Directors to be filled by election.

AIANTA Announces All-Star Lineup of Native Women to Address Virtual Conference
Native News Online; August 13, 2020
Even though the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) annual conference had to go virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Country’s premier national travel association has named an all-star lineup of Native women to address those attending the conference from afar.

Service workers risk health and livelihoo
Waiters, hair dressers, clerks and otherswho work face-to-face with customers face a lot of uncertainty. Their jobs have been on the line or eliminated since coronavirus restrictions began in March. As some states start reopening, service workers also put themselves at greater risk dealing with the public. At the same time, business owners are confronting significant revenue losses, state health restrictions, and evolving CDC guidelines in order to navigate through the pandemic. // Native America Calling; July 16, 2020

Eating Up Easter
Following an OVEE virtual Indie Lens PopUp Screening of Eating Up Easter, New Mexico PBS featured a discussion by filmmakers Sergio and Elena Rapu, as well as Jerry Redfern and Megan Kamerick of the Society of Professional Journalists, and Emerson Vallo and Sherry Rupert from American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association . // View Eating Up Easter on New Mexico PBS; View PBS Discussion with Sherry Rupert & Emerson Vallo; June 17, 2020

Comeback Trail
Before the pandemic, indigenous tourism in North America was an economic engine that helped tribes share and preserve cultures. Stakeholders say it’s more important than ever that tourism picks up where it left off. // Travel Weekly; May 28, 2020

Interested in a Career in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry?
AIANTA is proud to offer the Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship, which provides American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students with financial assistance towards a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts or related fields. // Newe News, Sosonrih People of the Wind River Reservation; May 27, 2020

Tribes Highlighted Along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
A new three-year project, being conducted by The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and The National Park Service (NPS), aims to find and share the stories of the Native American Tribes that intersect with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. // Native News Online; Jan. 30, 2020