AIANTA: The Rupert Report

The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO

March 14, 2022

Shery L. Rupert and Camille Ferguson at IPW 2019.

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

How is Your Tourism Economy Doing?

AIANTA launched its fourth State of Indian Country Tourism Industry survey this week. The survey will help us measure indigenous and Native communities’ confidence in the growth of the visitor industry for the coming year.

Please take a moment to complete the brief survey now.

Take the Survey

Read the Press Release

AIANTA is Returning to IPW This Year

We are thrilled to announce that we will be returning to IPW this year and bringing a few tribal partners with us. This global tourism tradeshow attracts travel buyers and international media from around the world and will be held June 5-8, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. There are still a few spaces remaining if you'd like to join us.

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your tribal destination or Native business to the world.

Join AIANTA at IPW

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, Indian Country Today TV producer Patty Talahongva, Richard Launder and Anina Grasso of Destination America, longtime travel trade journalist Jeri Clausing, and Indy Vallejos, U.S. Commercial Service.

All our expert speakers will 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.

Read the Press Release

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.

Why Sponsor Go International?

AIANTA is Seeking Tourism Scholars

AIANTA has opened its scholarship application for 2022. We are proud to offer the Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship, which provides American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students with financial assistance towards a degree or certificate in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts or related fields.

Each year, AIANTA awards three individuals who have met selected scholarship application criteria.

Learn more and apply now

Our Upcoming Webinars

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.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Business Strategy and Financials in Uncertain Times

March 29, 2022: 10:00 a.m. MDT

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and AIANTA invite you to assess the financial health of your business, evaluate your impact in an uncertain environment, analyze different funding options and use financial metrics to lead your business into a new "normal."

View all Webinars