Partnership Development

We build strategic partnerships, both public and private, to extend the reach of tribes and ensure authentic tribal experiences.

AIANTA’s best work is done by connecting with tribal, federal, state and industry leaders.  Through strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders, we are able to move our mission forward.  Since our founding, we have worked to grow our existing relationships while attracting new partners to support our work.

Through our strategic partnerships, AIANTA works to educate state, federal and industry leaders so they support and facilitate a thriving Indian Country tourism industry. In our work with strategic partners, we help to cut through the noise of global tourism promotion to elevate tribal destinations among travelers, tour operators, travel agents, the media and nationally.

Our Valued Partners

Federal

  • U.S. Department of Interior
    – Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Technical Assistance Programs
    – National Park Service
    – Bureau of Land Management
    – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    – U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
  • U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
  • U.S. Small Business Administration

State

Member Partners:

  • Arizona Office of Tourism
  • Colorado Tourism Office
  • Hawaii Tourism Authority
  • Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
  • Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
  • South Dakota Department of Tourism
  • Wyoming Office of Tourism

Tribal

  • National Congress of American Indians (MOU)
  • National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
  • Native American Rights Fund (MOU)
  • National Indian Gaming Association (MOU)
  • American Recreation Coalition
  • American Association of Parks and Recreation
  • American Indian Law Center
  • Native American Tourism of Wisconsin
  • Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes

Industry

  • U.S. Travel Association
  • National Tour Association (MOU)
  • National Geographic Society Sustainable Destinations
  • George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies
  • International Tourism Marketing
  • Western States Tourism Policy Council (MOU)
  • Kilpatrick Stockton and Townsend (LOI)
  • Powers Pyles, Sutter and Verville PC (LOI)
  • Hobbs Straus Dean and Walker LLP (LOI)
  • Akerman, LLP

AIANTA welcomes new partnerships to expand our impact and increase collaboration throughout Indian Country and the tourism industry.

If you are interested in joining AIANTA as a strategic partner, contact Hannah Peterson, AIANTA’s Development Director at hpeterson@aianta.org or 505.361.2168.

O me’a”kwa: Reimagine, Re-emerge, Reunite

O me'a"kwa: Reimagine, Re-emerge, Reunite I am very excited to remind you that we are just 10 days away from the opening of our 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which begins on October 25 in Fort McDowell, Arizona. It is so hard to believe it has...

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We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort to Unveil New Dining Studio

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort to Unveil New Dining Studio on October 13Its first two all-you-can-eat food stations will offer authentic, delicious Asian and Mexican cuisine  The latest addition to the casino’s comprehensive fine- and casual dining options, the new...

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AIANTA Board Slate Announced

AIANTA Announces Board SlateThe Board Nominating Committee has selected the following Board Slate for this year’s elections:  ​Oklahoma – Travis OwensMr. Owens brings more than 15 years of experience in the cultural tourism industry. His experience is unique in...

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Five Ways to Make the Most of Your AITC Experience

Five Ways to Make the Most of Your AITC Experience

​As the tourism industry slowly returns to “normal,” hospitality providers are asking, “what’s next.” There is no master roadmap for recovery, especially when it comes to indigenous tourism providers. 

Attending this year’s American Indian Tourism Conference might be the best way to move forward with your own programming.. The connections you make, especially with people who are facing the same hurdles as you, could provide the very answers you are looking for. 

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AITC Artisans

2021 AITC Artisans AITC artisans are located in a highly trafficked conference area, allowing them to connect directly with AITC attendees and share their art.Nez Perce Traditions Gift Shop (Nez Perce)Kawika Lum-Nelmida (Ho’ohulu Hawai’i)Rafina CanyonBen Begay's Fine...

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AIANTA Seeks New Members for Board of Directors

AIANTA Seeks New Members for Board of DirectorsDue to regular term expirations and an internal redistribution of AIANTA’s regions, the association is looking to fill nine vacant leadership positions. AIANTA’s Nominating Committee is leading the recruitment, with Mary...

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AMERICAN INDIANS AND ROUTE 66

More than half of Historic U.S. Route 66 lies in Indian Country, roughly 1,372 miles. AIANTA, in collaboration with the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and Cherokee travel writer Lisa Hicks Snell, has published a tour guide of Route 66, bringing American Indian voices and a new perspective to this iconic highway.

To learn more, visit www.AmericanIndiansAndRoute66.com