American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association

The American Indigenous Tourism Association, based in Albuquerque, NM, serves as the unified national voice for the $11.6 billion Indigenous hospitality sector. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an all-Indigenous board of directors, the association provides comprehensive technical assistance, training, research, and publications to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities engaged in tourism and hospitality enterprises. Since its establishment in 1998, the organization has worked to address systemic inequities in the tourism industry by empowering Native Nations to control their own narratives and economic destinies. The association facilitates critical conversations with Native communities, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials regarding the economic and cultural significance of a thriving hospitality industry. A key achievement includes legislative advocacy that led to the passage and federal funding of the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act in 2018, representing a watershed moment for Indian Country tourism recognition. The organization operates across 15 distinct regions throughout the United States and its territories, supporting 133,043 Indigenous-owned hospitality businesses that collectively employ 210,000 workers. Through its Destination Native America platform and regional initiatives, the association highlights authentic Native destinations including cultural heritage sites, historic locations, and artistic venues. The organization's work directly supports economic sovereignty, cultural preservation, and community pride throughout Indigenous nations and territories across the country.