San Diego State University Certificate in Cultural Tourism and Tribal Enterprises
Indian Country Today; December 30, 2021

Malama Hawaii. Talking Regenerative Travel with Cultural Representative Kainoa Daines
No Ordinary Adventure Podcast; December 19, 2021

Partnership Strengthens Commitment to Tribal Consultation and Collaboration
The National Park Service (NPS) and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) have entered into a cooperative agreement to help facilitate regular, robust and meaningful dialogue between Tribes and the NPS. Strengthening relationships with Tribal governments is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration and this partnership will ensure that the perspectives, voices and traditions of indigenous communities are incorporated into exhibits, outreach and cultural tourism programs in national parks.
Leisure Group Travel; November 20, 2021

The Lewis and Clark Expedition From an Indian Country Perspective
“If it wasn’t for Indians, Lewis and Clark probably wouldn’t have made it,” said Gail Chehak, tribal relations and outreach manager at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), which is collaborating with NPS to develop online itineraries to promote the tribes that intersected with Lewis and Clark on their way across what became the United States.
Salem Reporter; November 8, 2021

New Steering Group to Guide AIANTA & Leave No Trace Education Efforts
“The impacts have been large to our communities and places and spaces where we take people,” said Sherry Rupert, President and CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), during her keynote at last month’s 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference.
Leave No Trace; November 4, 2021

Indigenous Tourism an Economic Powerhouse
That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Honolulu-based SMS Research. The study was released at the association’s annual conference held at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort near Phoenix.
Indian Country Today; November 2, 2021

Hawaiʻi Representatives Share Insights and Aloha at 2021 American Indian Tourism Conference
Thought-provoking. Inspiring. Unifying. That’s how Kainoa Daines, director of culture and product development for Hawaiʻi Tourism United States, describes the 23rd annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which he attended from October 25-28 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Ka Wai Ola — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  December 1, 2021

Indigenous Tourism an Economic ‘Powerhouse’
Indigenous-owned tourism businesses contribute billions to the U.S. economy. That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Honolulu-based SMS Research. The study was released at the association’s annual conference held at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort near Phoenix.
Indian Country Today, November 2, 2021

AIANTA Conference Opening Night Reception Photos
Last month, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) hosted their annual conference at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. The reception was MC’d by Ken Duncan and featured performances by his son Talon, as well as the drum group Maswadae.
Native News Online; November 2, 2021

Indian Country’s Best in Tourism
Tourism is back for many in Indian Country and for Nez Perce Tourism, LLC, that means offering tours of its traditional homelands that cross five states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Nez Perce Tourism picked up the Best Cultural Heritage Experience at the annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction, hosted by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The association held its annual conference this past week at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort near Phoenix.
Indian Country Today; November 1, 2021 

AIANTA & National Park Service Partner to Highlight Tribal History and Traditions
In an effort to improve tribal input and consultation with the federal government, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Park Service (NPS) and) have entered into a cooperative agreement to help facilitate regular, robust and meaningful dialogue between Tribes and the NPS.
Native News Online; October 28, 2021 

National Park Service, Tribes To Highlight History, Traditions Of Native Communities
The National Park Service and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association have agreed on a cooperative agreement to help facilitate regular, robust, and meaningful dialogue between tribes and the Park Service.
National Parks Traveler; October 28, 2021 

Economic Impact Study Reveals Native Tourism is a $14 billion industry
One in four American Indian, Alaska Native, and
Native Hawaiian (AIANNH)-owned firms are supported by the tourism industry, according to a report released on Tuesday at the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference that is in session at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, Ariz.
Native News Online; October 27, 2021  

Travelers Can Connect with People and Places Using the Newly Unveiled Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Geotourism Online Hub
The newly launched online portal, which has been created through a Geotourism stewardship program overseen by the National Park Service (NPS), brings together many tourism partners at local, state, and national levels along the Trail, including the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
GISuser; August 3, 2021

Mapping Out Your Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Trek
The website was created through a Geotourism stewardship program overseen by the National Park Service, and brings together many tourism partners at local, state, and national levels along the trail, including the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association.
National Parks Traveler; July 20, 2021

Healthy and Vibrant Communities
It’s summer time, and with vaccinations, folks are feeling more confident about taking in the sites on tribal lands. Sherry L. Rupert works with tribes and entrepreneurs at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Visitors will see some changes since COVID-19 put a halt to tourism.
Indian Country Today; June 25, 2021

The Wrap: Land Home to Bison Restored
The deadline to apply for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association scholarship that awards $1,000 a semester is July 9. The financial assistance is for students working towards a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts or related fields.
Indian Country Today; June 23, 2021

Vaccinated, Ready to Travel
Sherry L. Rupert heads the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The organization’s mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values. Agri-tourism is one of its new initiatives.
Indian Country Today; June 22, 2021

Tourism in Indian Country Regrouping
CEO Sherry Rupert, Paiute and Washoe, of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, said tribal casino closures alone cost 296,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in revenues.

“These lost jobs and decimated gaming revenues have had a dramatic and far-reaching effect, crippling Native American economies well beyond tourism … devastating programs such as health and safety, infrastructure, education and food programs across Indian Country,” Rupert said at the Senate hearing.
Indian Country Today; May 28, 2021

How the U.S. National Park Service Prioritized Nature Over Indigenous People
“Native Americans are often left out of the historical narrative, so we’re thrilled that NPS is looking to deliver a comprehensive inventory of tribal activities and cultural tourism experiences for visitors interested in traveling all or parts of the famed route,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry Rupert on the organization’s website.
tripsavvy; May 18, 2021

Indigenous Tourism Organization Latest to Join Leave No Trace Program Responsible for Tourism
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) are excited to announce a new partnership to promote a consistent, nationwide message of sustainable tourism throughout indigenous communities across the United States.
Outdoor Sportswire; May 18, 2021

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to Hear Testimony on COVID-19 Impact on the Native Tourism Economies
Sherry L. Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) will testify on the vital economic importance of the tourism industry to Native American communities.”A robust tourism industry is a powerful economic driver in Indian Country,” Rupert stated in preparation of her testimony. “The dramatic decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact throughout all tribal communities, so we are encouraged that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has invited us to testify on this economic crisis.”
Native News Online; May 11, 2021

Register now for the Family Travel Xpo, coming June 1
Educational breakout sessions will feature speakers from leading organizations and associations including Family Travel Association (FTA), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), and National Parks Service.
travelweek; May 5, 2021

Indian Country tourism enterprises anticipate tourism increase for 2021
Indian Country tourism enterprises are upbeat about their tourism prospects for 2021 according to the State of Indian Country Tourism, an annual survey released by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
Indian Country Today; May 4, 2021

American Indian Alaska Native Tourism announces Visitor Outreach Department
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) announced the formation of its second new department in 2021 – the new Visitor Outreach department.
eTurbo News; April 19, 2021

The Native tourism outlook
The pandemic has taken a toll on one of Native America’s leading economic development sources. But that doesn’t mean cultural tourism and gaming are finished. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association lists a;  number of destinations and experiences that remain viable despite the lingering worries about COVID-19. And despite the slow pace of reopened businesses and public spaces, AIANTA and tribal tourism officials are also looking ahead with optimism about the prospects for 2021.
Native America Calling; April 9, 2021; See also Indianz.com

NATOW Forms Historic Partnership With AIANTA
NATOW is proud to announce its historic partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), a national center for providing tourism and recreational travel technical assistance, training and capacity building to American Indian nations.
Lake Superior News; March 25, 2021

Traveling on Stolen Land: How to Acknowledge and Respect its Indigenous Identity
For help identifying Indigenous-run tourism operations in North America, check out the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association or the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Australia and New Zealand also have organizations that promote Indigenous tourism nationally.
tripsavvy; March 25, 2021

Visit USA Italy guarda al futuro
Un forte impulso verrà dato alla promozione della destinazione sui social media per raggiungere un pubblico sempre più ampio co Il premio Simonetta Busnelli, sponsorizzato da American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), è andato a Marco Berchi per il consumer award per la promozione degli Usa.
T&A Magazine; March 11, 2021

Showcase Usa Italy, l’edizione virtual prepara il terreno per la ripartenza
Il 2 marzo sono stati consegnati i Premi Stampa alla presenza di Isabella Cascarano, minister counselor for Foreign affairs. Il premio Simonetta Busnelli, sponsorizzato da American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (Aianta) è andato a Marco Berchi per il consumer award per la promozione degli Usa.
L’agenzia di Viaggi; March 11, 2021

20 Influential Women in the Travel Industry
This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight women who have done and are doing so much to affect change in the travel industry. They’re leading as examples, pushing forth initiatives, and calling on the travel industry to do better, to be better.
TravelPulse; March 8, 2021

U.S.Commercial Service to Recognize Women Exporters
In honor of International Women’s Day, the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service will host an event to honor women exporters. This event will be held on March 8 and is part of their Women’s Global Trade Empowerment Program, a premier resource for for women entrepreneurs who wish to boldly grow their business into new markets.
Just The Real News; March 2, 2021

Celebrating Our First Ten Years: The Walk That Launched Native News Online
Since then, I have covered the White House tribal nations conferences during the Obama administration, Capitol Hill hearings and national meetings of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the National Indian Gaming Association, the National Indian Housing Council, and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and others.
Native News Online; February 15, 2021

An Unlikely Publisher Celebrates 10 Years of Covering News in Indian Country
Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, offered her thoughts: “From a tiny operation of just 16 readers when it started ten years ago, Native News Online has grown to almost five million-page views this past year. The site is the very embodiment of the importance of following your dreams—something we always encourage with our Native tourism partners. Native News Online is an unbiased source of information on the happenings and events that are critical to Native peoples across the country and we congratulate Levi Rickert on ten years of successful news coverage.”
Native News Online; February 15, 2021

AIANTA Introduces New Tribal Relations & Outreach Department
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) is celebrating the formation of a new department, the Tribal Relations & Outreach Department, which was created to further the organization’s goals in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships.
e-Turbo News; February 15, 2021

Guiding Lights; Tribal cultural tourism pros to share industry expertise
Begay wants to help aspiring Native tourism entrepreneurs navigate the industry. At 9 a.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, she and Stacia Morfin, CEO of Nez Perce Tourism in Idaho, will share their industry expertise via a free Zoom webinar.

The session, “Interpreting Culture: How to Run a Successful Tour Business,” is presented by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Park Service.
Tribal Business News; February 22, 2021

A Native American Love Story; By T.J. Young AKA Sgwaayaans
T.J.Young, aka, Sgwaayaans, is a member of the Yaadaas Eagle Clan. He’s drawn to tell tales of his Tribe~artfully.  Honoring his ancestors from Hydaburg, Alaska ,Sgwaayaans has a knack for super-sizing legends to landmark the customs of his Kaigani, Haida Tribal Nation. (Story facilitated by AIANTA);
She the People News; February 3, 2021

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: New guidebook explores growing tribal agritourism industry
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s program is one of six tribal agritourism ventures spanning the United States that is highlighted in the new educational handbook, “Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism.” Released by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) with funding from the Native American Agricultural Fund, the free guidebook can be downloaded at this link.
Tribal Business News; February 2, 2021

People’s Center rebrands, changes name
CSKT Council approved on Tuesday the name-change to “Three Chief’s Culture Center and Gift Shop. . . The idea of rebranding came after staff learned about it at American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Conferences.

AIANTA CEO appointed to National Marine Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council
e-Turbo News, January 13, 2021
The advisory panel will work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to promote sustainable recreation and tourism within the National Marine Sanctuary System
Char-Koosta News, January 27, 2021

Visiting Indigenous Communities is a Delicate Balance of Respect and Education
For insight into respectful, responsible Indigenous tourism, Matador Network spoke with Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, and Geri Hongeva, board president of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA). Heed their advice before setting foot on Indigenous land, especially if you’ve been invited to tour a tribal community.
Matador Network, October 12, 2020

Twin Arrows Trading Post
Features AIANTA’s American Indians & Route 66 Guide // The Flashnites, October 10, 2020