American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Destinations International Partner to Amplify U.S. Indigenous Tourism Globally
New partnership will help Indigenous destinations in the U.S. build awareness across Destinations International’s vast global travel network
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 15, 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 Destinations International, the world’s largest global network of destination organizations, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), and tourism boards, announced a two-year strategic partnership to jointly promote and deliver programs, products, and services that benefit both organizations and create meaningful, shared value for their stakeholders.
The partnership announcement comes after the agreement was signed at the Destinations International 2025 Annual Convention last week in Chicago, Illinois.
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 $11.6 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.
“AIANTA’s partnership with Destinations International marks a pivotal moment for Indigenous tourism,” said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA. “This collaboration will undoubtedly elevate Indigenous perspectives within the global tourism industry. Through this collaboration, we look forward to sharing knowledge, building stronger relationships, and creating tools that support respectful engagement with Indigenous communities across the United States.”
Representing the largest global network of destination organizations, convention bureaus, and tourism boards, Destinations International is a dedicated champion of travel. Their members form a powerful association of more than 9,000 professionals from over 750 destinations in 23 countries across the globe, with a combined spending power of over $3.5 billion.
“We are proud to partner with AIANTA to help ensure that travel and tourism serves visitors and honors the values and interests of Indigenous communities,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Our partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) in recent years has been and continues to be meaningful, and we are excited to deepen our efforts around Indigenous tourism in North America through this important and impactful partnership with AIANTA.”
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 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 $11.6 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 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.
About Destinations International:
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 10,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations and 38 countries and territories, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian, APR
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com
Photo:
Photo credit: Destinations International
Caption: Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International and Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of AIANTA