AIANTA: The Rupert Report

The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO

March 7, 2022

Just a few of the talented women of

AIANTA we're celebrating this month.

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Take a Look at Our Amazing Go International Speakers

April 19-20, 2022

AIANTA’s annual two-day Go International is coming soon and we've confirmed some amazing speakers, including Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, longtime travel trade journalist Jeri Clausing and Indian Country Today TV producer Patty Talahongva, who will all bring actionable tips and advice on attracting international travelers, building group business and working with the media. The two-day event concludes with a hands-on workshop where you will pitch your tourism product to an industry tour operator and get practical advice on what they are and aren't looking for in their Indigenous tourism partners. You won't want to miss this event.

Thanks to Our Go International Sponsors

AIANTA extends a warm thanks to Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation and Isleta Resort & Casino for sponsoring this event! Additional sponsorships are still available so please contact us if you're interested.

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Welcome New AIANTA Team Members

AIANTA is growing! We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Larry Burton, our new BLM Partner Coordinator, who will be working remotely out of his Carson City, Nevada, location. We also welcome Jolene Catron, our new NPS Partner Program Coordinator, who is based right here in Albuquerque. Take a moment to learn more about Larry and Jolene or send them an email to say hello.

Learn More About Larry and Jolene

AIANTA Announces New Partnership with SMS Research

AIANTA is thrilled to announce that we will once again be partnering with Honolulu-based SMS Research. SMS will be conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Native tourism industry. You may remember we worked with SMS last year to conduct our first-ever Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses study, which found that Native tourism businesses in the U.S. generate $14 billion in annual receipts.

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It's Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month and Tuesday, March 8, is International Women's Day. Every year, we list a few exceptional Native American women leaders in Cultural Heritage Tourism. This year's list includes Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo), Mary Goddard (Tlingit), Penny Peters (Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe), Mālia Sanders (Native Hawaiian), and Marie Torosian (Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes). Learn more about these inspiring ladies and view our lists from previous years at the link below.

Women's History Month 2022

Our Upcoming Webinars

GW & AIANTA Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism: Information Session & Indigenous Marketing Spotlight

Tuesday, March 8

Join AIANTA for an information session about the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW) in partnership with AIANTA.

U.S. Commercial Service: Globalize Your Website

March 22, 2022: 10:00 a.m. MDT

As tour operators around the world rapidly adjust to new business practices, many are taking a fresh look at their digital strategy. Through this webinar, learn how to globalize your website to increase international interest and buyers.

Drive more international visitors and buyers to your website – learn some simple, low-cost techniques to increase visibility in overseas markets. Specifically geared to tribal tourism firms, this event will help refresh your digital strategy.

View all Webinars