Indigenous tourism groups partner to create Destination Original Indigenous Tourism

Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT) is a partnership of three Indigenous tourism groups that has been a year in the making and which creates a one-of-a-kind organization that aims to unify the collective voice for Indigenous tourism worldwide and the Indigenous people it comprises.

DO-IT officially formalized its partnership during the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s (AIANTA) 26th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Marksville, Louisiana which was hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

During the conference, AIANTA, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and New Zealand Maori Tourism entered a commitment pledge partnership that will see DO-IT embark on a mission to provide leadership in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism destinations through innovative partnerships.

Destination Original Indigenous Tourism’s vision is to support the establishment of a sustainable international Indigenous tourism network, led by Indigenous destinations and work to support a sustainable, thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable, and enriching experiences.

Culminating in the highly anticipated signing of DO-IT’s partnership, Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association; Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada; and Dale Stephens, Chair of New Zealand Maori Tourism led an insightful and forward-thinking discussion on DO-IT at the conference, where they examined Indigenous tourism standards from each country and discussed the need to establish guidelines for Destination Original-branded experiences.

This ensures that travellers can immediately recognize and trust they are receiving an authentic Indigenous experience. The leaders also discussed the goals of the newly formed organization and explored the future of Indigenous travel across the globe.

AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), explained that: “Destination Original Indigenous Tourism mission aligns with AIANTA’s mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honours traditions and values, so it’s a natural fit for us to join our colleagues in establishment of this vital organization.”

Rupert continued: “As the leader in Indigenous tourism in the U.S., AIANTA is thrilled to join this global community of Indigenous leaders to amplify our commitment to sharing authentic cultural heritage experiences as a united front.”

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) President & CEO Keith Henry said that: “Destination Original Indigenous Tourism is a solid strategic alignment of three world-leading associations that allows us to uplift the voices of Indigenous-led tourism experiences worldwide while building on the important work that ITAC has supported across Canada to create authentic, sustainable experiences that celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.”

Said Henry: “This partnership is the next step in the growth of global Indigenous tourism, creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs and enhancing the profile of Canada by showcasing the unique stories and histories of Indigenous peoples through tourism.”

NZ Maori Tourism Chair Dale Stephens (Te Rarawa), said that: “New Zealand Maori Tourism is proud to support the establishment of Destination Original Indigenous Tourism and its aspirations for indigenous peoples, globally. We see this partnership as a significant platform that empowers indigenous peoples to take control of their destinies, builds whanaungatanga (filial connections) which leads to kotahitanga (unity).”

Stephens continued: “By celebrating opportunities that come from our indigeneity and authenticity, we identify a pathway towards the culturalization of commerce, rather than the commercialization of our culture. This is what draws international visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand who are looking to forge connections with people and place – and what better way than to do this through indigenous tourism.”

In addition to the official formalization announcement, DO-IT has also announced its initial founding board member composition of six visionary Indigenous leaders and appointed its first President and CEO to include:

• * American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association: Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA; and Travis Owens, Vice President of Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism and president of AIANTA’s board of directors.
• * New Zealand Maori Tourism: Pania Tyson-Nathan, CEO of New Zealand Maori Tourism; and Dale Stephens, chair of New Zealand Maori Tourism.
• * Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC; and Marilyn Jensen, ITAC’s chair of the board and business owner.
• * Destination Original Indigenous Tourism’s first president and CEO: Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Canada has been chosen to lead the organization and help shape the mission and vision of the new organization, under the strategic guidance of the board of directors. With his deep experience working in the Indigenous tourism industry for nearly 18 years coupled with his current role as vice president of ITAC, the collective believes Sebastien was a natural fit for the organization and wish him great success in this new venture as he transitions to lead Destination Original Indigenous Tourism.

Go to www.DestinationOriginal.com for more.

IN THE PHOTO

Destination Original Indigenous Tourism formalized at the 2024 American Indigenous Tourism Conference between the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and New Zealand Māori Tourism. Pictured from left to right: Destination Original Board of Directors – Sherry L. Rupert, AIANTA CEO; Travis Owens, Vice President of Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism and president of AIANTA’s board of directors; Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC; Dale Stephens, chair of New Zealand Māori Tourism; and Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard, Destination Original Indigenous Tourism President and CEO. Board of Directors not pictured: Marilyn Jensen, ITAC’s chair of the board and Pania Tyson-Nathan, CEO of New Zealand Māori Tourism.

Photo credit: Destination Original Indigenous Tourism