Tour operators will gain opportunities to learn about Native American tourism destinations and products under a new agreement between the National Tour Association (NTA) and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
AIANTA CEO Sherry Rupert said that the partnership will provide education to tour operators on how to do business with Indigenous operators. It will also increase awareness of Native Nations and destinations among NTA members, said NTA president Catherine Prather.
AIANTA entered into a similar partnership last fall with the International Inbound Travel Association in an effort to grow international visitation to Native American destinations.
Indigenous-owned hospitality companies contribute $15.7 billion in annual sales to the U.S. tourism and hospitality sector, according to the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report produced by AIANTA in the spring.