Go International

February 6-7, 2024

Expanding Native Cultural Tourism Globally

Successful Engagement in the International Travel and Trade Markets

AIANTA offers the annual two-day Go International training conference, designed to introduce the international market to Tribes, Tribal businesses, and Native Hawaiian businesses and support participants to identify their tourism product(s) for pricing, packaging, and selling to markets overseas.

Tribal tourism professionals, industry representatives and entrepreneurs gather to:

  • Hear from expert speakers from throughout the national and international tourism industry
  • Connect and network with one another around shared vision and goals for business, Indian Country and tourism development
  • Advance and develop their businesses, careers and tourism ventures
  • Gain an understanding of what is needed and how to participate in international markets
From left to right: Indy Vallejos, U.S. Commercial Services, Sherry L. Rupert, AIANTA CEO, Skylar Clark, Brand USA and Emerson Vallo, Former AIANTA President
AIANTA Tribal Relations & Outreach Manager, Gail Chehak 2023 Go International 
 

Why Attend Go International?

Expert speakers and hands-on presentations showcase how to build itineraries, how to attract domestic and international group travelers and how to work with global tour operators.

Identify your market readiness, prepare your destinations and experiences for the international visitors, and assure quality relationships with international tour operators and media to advance your products globally.

Why Sponsor Go International?

As a sponsor of the 8th Annual Go International, you will have the opportunity to promote your organization throughout the event.  Your organization will also be featured on the AIANTA.org website and all AIANTA social media platforms leading up to and throughout the event. You will also be allowed to provide brochures for placement in our attendee conference bags, along with signage throughout the conference venue. Please visit the Go International Sponsor page for more information.

Go International Agenda

February 6th, 2024

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM            Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Sponsored Breakfast

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM            Welcome & Introductions                       

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM         AIANTA Member Market Readiness Self-Assessment

Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has developed a comprehensive self-assessment for considering the market readiness of your business.  The self-assessment is a guided workbook equipping you with essential steps to enhance your Indigenous tourism business. Assess authenticity, safety, marketing, and group dynamics to elevate your competitiveness and success in the international marketplace. Honest self-reflection reveals strengths and areas for growth, ensuring alignment with industry standards. This session will inspire you to optimize your business, attract more visitors, and foster growth.

10:15AM – 10:30 AM          Break

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM        Navigating the Tourism Ecosystem: Understanding Industry Dynamics and Global Engagement

Nate Huff, Tourism Exchange USA and Lancing Adams, New Mexico Tourism Department

Delve into the intricate components of the tourism industry, exploring the roles of tourists, suppliers, intermediaries, and destinations. Gain insights into the complex interactions shaping the tourism industry’s success and sustainability. Discover how a holistic understanding of this ecosystem can guide decision-making, marketing strategies, and sustainable practices for long-term growth.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM              Isleta Casino Resort Sponsored Lunch 

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM              International Growth: Optimizing Relationships with Inbound Tour Operators

Lisa Simon, International Inbound Travel Association and Crystal Van Kull Rocky Mountain Holiday Tours

Join industry experts to dive into working with the international inbound travel trade, including strategies for groups, FIT (Foreign Independent Travelers), and contract negotiations with Inbound Tour Operators and International Tour Operators. Learn practical approaches to maximize revenue, build successful partnerships, and navigate the complexities of beneficial structures in the international tourism industry.

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM             Break   

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM             Ensuring Quality Representation through Communications, Online Presence, and Ease of Doing Business      

Indy Vallejos, US Commercial Services and Bruce Rettig, Charter Advertising/Design, Inc.

Explore strategies for ensuring accessible and responsive contact information, crafting websites with quality images and comprehensive tour options, managing customer reviews, prioritizing safety, and offering valuable tips for visitors. Additionally, delve into the importance of permits, effective signage for arrivals, and the implementation of multilingual services to enhance the overall visitor experience.

4:15 p.m.
Wrap Up

February 7th, 2024

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM            Breakfast On Your Own                          

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM         Global Reach Strategies: Digital Assets, FAM Tours, and Travel Tradeshows

Chris Ellis, Brand USA and Kate Anderson, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Have you considered the intricacies of strategic international outreach? Gain insights into the technical nuances of Digital Asset Management, examining its pivotal role in shaping a compelling global destination narrative and optimizing online visibility. Explore the operational details of FAM Tours, unraveling how these immersive experiences strategically build relationships with industry professionals. Additionally, analyze the tactical aspects of Travel Tradeshows, focusing on effective networking, destination showcasing, and collaborative frameworks for a robust global positioning strategy. Uncover the underpinnings of these key elements to amplify international presence and competitiveness in the dynamic tourism landscape.

10:15AM – 10:30 AM          Break

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM        Tourism Collaboration: Crafting Itineraries, Packages, and Marketing with DMOs and Intertribal Collaborations         

Kate Anderson, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Sherry Rupert, AIANTA

Explore practical strategies for collaboration between Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Native enterprises in the tourism industry. This session focuses on creating efficient itineraries, attractive packages, and effective marketing initiatives through impactful partnerships. Learn how to strategically develop travel packages and leverage strengths in marketing to achieve mutual benefits. Join us for insights into crafting authentic and impactful journeys that contribute to the success of Indigenous communities.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM              Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Lunch                               

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM              The Art and Impact of Dynamic Tourism Marketing      

Florian Herrmann, Herrmann Global       

Unlock the secrets of successful tourism marketing with Herrmann Global, the trailblazing firm that brings a fresh perspective to the world of travel and adventure. Join us for an engaging session as we explore the value and importance of dynamic marketing strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of Indigenous tourism.

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM             Break 

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM             Cultivating Authenticity: Elevating Experiences for Global Impact         

Emily Edenshaw, Alaska Native Heritage Center                

Identify your unique aspects that resonate with international guests by amplifying authenticity at your destination or experience. Explore workforce development strategies to ensure your team embodies cultural values for exceptional customer service. Dive into a transformative session where authenticity becomes a powerful force, creating memorable experiences that resonate globally.

4:15 p.m.
Closing

More Information

For more information,  please contact Ciarra Greene, Visitor Outreach Manager at cgreene@aianta.org or call 505-724-3592

AIANTA Travel Trade Manual

Meet Our Go International Sponsors

Navajo Nation
Parks & Recreation

Agua Caliente

Isleta Resort & Casino

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Native American Agriculture Fund

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Bureau of Land Management

National Endowment of the Arts

National Park Service

United States Forest Service