Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala
Get ready to celebrate the very best of Indian Country travel and tourism at the annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction, hosted by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)! As the only organization dedicated to advancing indigenous tourism across the United States, AIANTA is thrilled to recognize and honor enterprises and individuals who have made a significant impact on tribal tourism.
During the prestigious Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala, held during the highly anticipated American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), winners will be announced in four exciting categories: Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service, and Industry Professional of the Year. These exceptional winners have not only showcased the very best of Indian Country travel and cultural tourism, but they have also helped AIANTA fulfill its mission of fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for authentic culture, history, heritage, and the arts.
Now is your chance to be a part of this incredible celebration by submitting your nomination for this year’s very best of Indian Country travel and tourism enterprise or individual. Whether you know an outstanding destination that has captivated visitors with its rich cultural experiences or an industry professional who has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service, we want to hear from you!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to recognize and honor those who have made a lasting impact on tribal tourism. Submit your nomination by August 18, 2023, and join us at the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala as we celebrate the remarkable achievements in Indian Country travel and tourism. Together, let’s showcase the best of indigenous tourism and continue to shape the future of this vibrant industry.
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Award Winners
Tribal Destination of the Year
Akwesasne Travel Cultural Tourism
Best Cultural Heritage Experience
Oglala Lakota Living History Village
Excellence in Customer Service
Warren Guss Yellowhair, Tatanka Rez Tourz
Industry Professional Award
Camille Ferguson, Sitka Tribe of Alaska
The Best of Indian Country Tourism
Led by a selection panel of expert tourism industry professionals, AIANTA recognizes enterprises and individuals in four categories.
- Tribal Destination of the Year
- Best Cultural Heritage Experience
- Excellence in Customer Service
- Industry Professional Award
Winners of these prestigious awards have made a significant impact on tribal tourism, have helped AIANTA achieve its mission, foster a greater understanding of and appreciation for authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts, and showcase the best of Indian Country travel and tourism.
Nominations
Any AIANTA member in good standing can be nominated for an award. If the nominee is a non-member, the organization submitting the nomination may sponsor the nominee’s membership.
The deadline to submit an application for the 2023-2024 Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards is August 18, 2023.