Register for AITC
Now entering its 27th year, the annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s Indigenous communities.
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Become a member or renew your membership today to receive discounted AITC pricing!
American Indigenous Tourism Conference
Indigenous Tourism: Uniting Traditions and Innovation
October 27-30, 2025
Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi hosted by the
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
This year’s American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) explores the powerful intersection of cultural traditions and innovation in Indigenous tourism. As Indigenous peoples, we have always found creative ways to adapt, thrive, and forge new paths—whether through building new partnerships, embracing emerging technologies, or viewing challenges through a fresh lens. Innovation is not just about tools or trends; it’s about honoring our ancestral knowledge while finding new ways to share our stories, strengthen our sovereignty, and ensure our voices are represented. By working together, we can enhance our presence in the tourism industry and build a sustainable, culturally rich future. Join us as we celebrate resilience, creativity, and collaboration in the ever-evolving world of Indigenous tourism.
It’s an exciting time for travel and tourism in America’s Indigenous communities. The AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s Indigenous communities and the energy is electric as we prepare to celebrate the 27th anniversary. Taking place from October 27-30, 2025, at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi, this is a must attend event for anyone looking to grow their presence in this vibrant industry. Join more than 300 attendees for networking opportunities, high-level keynotes, and informative sessions led by top hospitality and tourism experts. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate and elevate Indigenous tourism!
Discover the Value of Attending the AITC
Are you interested in gaining invaluable insights into Indigenous Tourism? Look no further than the AITC – the perfect event for those looking to connect with fellow Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in areas such as tourism, museums, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation and more. Even if you are not directly involved in the industry, media professionals and travel enthusiasts alike can benefit from attending this conference and learning more. The event also provides a fantastic networking opportunity for artisans and exhibitors who are interested in showcasing their products and services and forming valuable partnerships. So don’t wait, secure your spot today and take the first step towards advancing your career in American Indigenous Tourism that honors traditions and values!
Conference Schedule at a Glance
Monday, October 27, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Hotel & Event Venue
Make the most of your AITC experience by staying at the official conference venue, Pearl River Resort, located on Highway 16 West in Choctaw, MS, home of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. A special conference rate of $79 per night (plus local taxes) is available for a Standard, Non-Smoking King room, providing both comfort and convenience just steps away from all conference activities. To secure this discounted rate, reservations must be made by Friday, October 10, 2025. Please call 1-866-44-PEARL and use the group code provided upon registration to book your room. Staying at the conference hotel ensures easy access to sessions, networking opportunities, and the full AITC experience.
Sponsor Opportunities
Sponsoring the American Indigenous Tourism Conference is an incredible opportunity to support our mission of promoting and preserving the rich heritage of American Indigenous communities. By partnering with us, sponsors play a vital role in enabling us to lead important discussions and provide the necessary foundation for tribes and Indigenous communities to develop, introduce, grow, and sustain cultural tourism. Through this sponsorship, you will not only make a tremendous impact on the tourism industry but also contribute to the economic empowerment and cultural preservation of these communities. Your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm will be recognized and celebrated as we work together to create a brighter future for American Indigenous tourism.
Support Our Scholarship Program
Supporting the American Indigenous Tourism Association Scholarship Program through the silent auction is a meaningful way to invest in the future of Indigenous tourism and cultural preservation. By contributing to the auction, you help provide critical financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing degrees in hospitality, tourism, and related fields. These students are the next generation of leaders who will strengthen tribal economies, celebrate cultural heritage, and bring authentic Indigenous voices to the tourism industry. Your support not only empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals but also reinforces our mission to elevate American Indigenous tourism through education and community engagement.
There are also other ways you can support this wonderful cause! See all the ways you can support the American Indigenous Tourism Association. For more information on the silent auction, or to make a cash donation to the Scholarship Program, please contact Ariel Richardson, Office Manager by email or call (505) 724-3592.
Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned tourism firms contribute $11.6 billion to the U.S. Economy annually. To recognize enterprises and individuals excelling in our industry, the American Indigenous Tourism Association honors Native Natives and communities’ travel and cultural tourism in nine categories. Our previous categories – Indigenous Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service and Industry Professional of the Year, now include five new award categories – Best Indigenous Culinary Tourism Experience, Indigenous Futures Award, Indigenous Artisan of the Year, Best Indigenous Musical Experience and Industry Partner of the Year. Awardees are formally recognized at the annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference hosted by the American Indigenous Tourism Association. The Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards Gala will be Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Choctaw, Mississippi.
Business of Art Seminar
This seminar, held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at AITC in Choctaw, Mississippi, is designed to help tribes develop or expand their artist programs and to provide professional development for artists. Sessions include marketing, pricing, working with galleries, museums, trade shows and markets. Hear from Native Nations and communities who have developed successful programs and get tips on how to market to the visitors of your homelands.
Mobile Workshops
AITC attendees and guests can choose from two full-day cultural experiences, each limited to 40 participants and priced at $75. Tours are held on Monday, October 27, 2025 from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM during the conference.
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Cultural Tour: Explore Choctaw traditions with a visit to the Chahta Immi Cultural Center and the Choctaw Indian Fair grounds, featuring stickball, dancing, and field activities. Enjoy a traditional meal and create your own cultural item, such as a beaded necklace, mini drum, or woven basket.
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History & Lands Tour: Visit Nanih Waiya, the sacred mother mound of the Choctaw people, and hear origin stories from a community elder. Then tour tribal lands, share a traditional meal, and take part in a hands-on cultural activity to bring home.
Artist and Exhibitor Opportunities
If you're looking for a targeted marketing approach, a table at the American Indigenous Tourism Conference will provide you with direct access to 300+ tourism professions who attend this annual gathering.
AITC Exhibitors are located in a highly trafficked conference area, allowing them to connect directly with AITC attendees and share their marketing and promotional materials.
In addition to showcasing their work at the Native Art Market, AITC Artisans also receive complementary admission to the Business of Art workshop, which includes educational sessions on marketing and promotion for Native artists.
Keynote Speakers
Fred Dixon
Wednesday, October 29 | 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
LIVE! with Fred Dixon, CEO and President, Brand USA
Fred Dixon is president and chief executive officer of Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this role, Fred is responsible for accelerating the organization’s efforts to build and execute effective marketing strategies to increase U.S. travel exports, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and help enhance the image of the United States with people all over the world.
Fred Dixon began his tenure as Brand USA’s President and CEO on July 15, 2024. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry.
Immediately prior to joining Brand USA, he served as President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions for 10 years where he developed and implemented New York City’s tourism, meetings, and events strategy and programming to grow business and leisure travel from across the USA and from around the world.
Under his leadership of NYC Tourism + Conventions, international visitation more than doubled to more than 13 million travelers; the result of a long-term strategy to create a global network of outposts comprising sales, marketing, and press professionals in diverse feeder markets including Australia, China, Mexico, Brazil and the UK.
Florian Herrmann
Wednesday, October 29 | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Think Global, Thrive Local: Unlocking International Opportunities in Indigenous Tourism Presented by Florian Herrmann, Founder and CEO of Herrmann Global
As global demand grows for authentic, culturally rich travel experiences, Indigenous tourism is uniquely positioned to lead. This keynote will explore how Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs can expand their reach into international markets while staying true to their cultural values and community priorities. With global insights, real-world success stories, and a practical roadmap for export readiness, this address offers both inspiration and strategic guidance for those ready to grow their presence on the world stage. It’s a call to action for Indigenous tourism leaders to think globally, thrive locally, and shape the future of tourism on their own terms.
Kristy Durso
Thursday, October 30 | 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Open Doors, Open Hearts: Rethinking Accessibility in Every Step of the Journey Presented by Kristy Durso, Founder, Accessible Travel Network
What if every traveler—regardless of ability, background, or identity—felt like your destination was made just for them? In this inspiring and practical keynote, we’ll explore how to transform accessibility and inclusion from checkboxes into powerful design principles that enhance the entire visitor experience. From the first click on your website to the final memory made on-site, you’ll discover how small shifts can open big doors. Using real-world examples, site demos, and fresh industry insights, this session will spark new ways of thinking—and give you the tools to build a more welcoming, more successful destination for all.
Colleen Echohawk
Thursday, October 30 | 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
The Heart Speaks Keynote: I Wrote a Musical for Tourists and Found the Courage to Build, Lead, and Dream Big Presented by Colleen Echohawk (Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation; Upper Athabascan people of Mentasta Lake), President, Headwater People Consulting
At 18 years old, living in Valdez, Alaska, Colleen Echohawk and a friend decided to take a chance. They responded to a city RFP to create entertainment for tourists — and ended up writing a musical about the history of Valdez. The show was performed, sold to the city, and even had one of its songs purchased by the state of Alaska.
That experience became more than a creative project — it planted the belief that she could do big things she’d never done before. Years later, when Colleen was leading Chief Seattle Club, she found herself facing the daunting idea of building housing for Native people experiencing homelessness. Sitting across from an experienced housing developer, she heard words that stuck: “Building housing isn’t rocket science.” And she thought, “I can do this.”
She did. That same confidence has fueled every chapter since — including her leadership at Eighth Generation, where she helped redefine what Native entrepreneurship can look like: designing products by Native artists, marketing them with integrity, and selling them to a global audience, including tourists hungry for authentic stories and culture.
In this closing “Heart Speaks” session, Colleen will share how one bold leap at 18 set the stage for a life of innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship. Her story is an invitation to step into the unknown, dream bigger, and lead fearlessly. By doing so, we can shape a future where Native voices guide tourism, our stories are celebrated, and our communities thrive.
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