During National Travel & Tourism Week May 19-25, 2024, an Indigenous Tourism Leader Introduces a Collaborative Educational Travel Guide for Responsible Visitation to Native Nations and Communities

American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and their collaborative partner, Leave No Trace, have launched an educational guide for travelers to responsibly visit Native Nations and communities in the U.S. The guide, titled “How to Responsibly Visit Tribal Nations and Alaska Native Villages,” aims to educate non-Indigenous guests on how to minimize their impact when visiting Indigenous communities.

This initiative comes as the U.S. Travel Association kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) from May 19-25, 2024. The guide is a result of a multi-year project between AIANTA and Leave No Trace, promoting sustainable tourism practices in Indigenous communities across the United States.

Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA, expressed excitement about sharing this educational resource with travelers, emphasizing the importance of leaving minimal impacts when visiting Indigenous communities. The guide features insights from a 25-member group of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian community members, providing valuable information for guests spending time in Indigenous communities.

Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace, highlighted the significance of learning about Indigenous communities and the differences between native nations and public lands to build a responsible outdoor ethic. The guide aims to empower travelers to interact meaningfully with Indigenous communities while respecting their traditions and values.

As National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the essential role of travel in stimulating economic growth and cultural exchange, initiatives like the AIANTA and Leave No Trace educational guide play a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism practices and fostering mutual respect between travelers and Indigenous communities.