AIANTA Announces New Partnership with Leave No Trace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (April 15, 2021) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics have announced a new partnership that will promote a consistent, nationwide message of sustainable tourism throughout indigenous communities across the United States.
“Tribal lands are located on or adjacent to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the world and we are excited to work with Leave No Trace to solidify a message of responsible tourism to help protect these treasured destinations,” said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA. “AIANTA’s marketing and educational efforts directly align with the mission of Leave No Trace, which encourages travelers to leave minimum impact when visiting the great outdoors.”
U.S. travelers are increasingly visiting America’s national parks, national forests and other beloved outdoor recreation areas, most of which are the ancestral homelands of America’s indigenous nations, but the increase in traffic has led to a dramatic growth in stress on infrastructure at those sites.
The new partnership provides tribes and indigenous communities with tools such as Leave No Trace environmental and sustainability information, which they can in turn share with visitors and residents.
“Leave No Trace is excited to work with AIANTA and its partner nations to better inform travelers on how to leave minimal impact when visiting precious outdoor areas,” said Dana Watts, executive director of the Leave No Trace Center. “We look forward to seeing this partnership resonate throughout all tribal lands, giving tribes a framework on how to guide visitors into enjoying a more impactful travel experience.”
According to Leave No Trace research, the ideal opportunity for influencing visitors in a positive way around sustainable outdoor tourism occurs in the planning phase of the trip.
The partnership is a first of its kind. AIANTA joins three state destination marketing organizations, including the Arizona Office of Tourism, Visit North Carolina and Colorado Tourism Office, in the Leave No Trace partnership program.
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Media Contacts
Monica Poling, AIANTA
mpoling@aianta.org
Ailsa Walsh, Leave No Trace
ailsa@LNT.org
About AIANTA
For nearly two decades, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the national center for providing tourism and recreational travel technical assistance, training and capacity building to American Indian nations. AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit association of Native American tribes and tribal businesses and was incorporated in 2002 to advance Indian Country tourism. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values.
About the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a Colorado-based, national 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment by teaching people to enjoy it responsibly. The Leave No Trace Center has delivered educational programs in the United States and internationally since 1994. Leave No Trace works to educate, build partnerships, conduct research on best practices, and empower volunteerism. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides a foundation to build a nationwide outdoor ethic of critical importance — for now and for the future: www.LNT.org www.facebook.com/LeaveNoTraceCenter or on Instagram through @LeaveNoTraceCenter.