IPW 2026 - AIT

The American Indigenous Tourism Association Returns to IPW 2026 as Travelers Continue to Seek Authentic Indigenous Experiences in the U.S.

May 21, 2026

Indigenous exhibitors join AIT to showcase cultural diversity of U.S. Tourism with #DestinationNativeAmerica at the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S.

CARSON CITY, Nev. (May 21, 2026) – The American Indigenous Tourism Association (AIT) returned to the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 17-21, showcasing cultural diversity of Indigenous communities across the United States. AIT’s presence at the premier international marketplace for U.S. travel has significantly amplified the visibility of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, fostering crucial connections and paving the way for increased economic development in Native Nations and communities.

IPW remains the essential platform for connecting Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs with the international travel market. By engaging directly with global buyers and media, the Association is ensuring that Indigenous voices remain central to the narrative of U.S. travel.

“As we embrace our new identity as the American Indigenous Tourism Association, our commitment to our members and the broader Indigenous tourism industry has never been stronger,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indigenous Tourism Association.  “We are here at IPW to show the world that Native Nations and communities are not just destinations – they are the original storytellers of this land. Travelers today are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections, and our members are ready to provide that authentic engagement while ensuring that tourism growth directly benefits our communities.”

Honoring History: The “Prequel” to 250 Years

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the American Indigenous Tourism Association is leading critical conversations that frame American Indigenous history as the essential foundation of American history itself.

“To truly understand the 250-year narrative of this nation, one must first recognize the deep, enduring history that existed long before the founding of the United States,” said Rupert. “We are working to ensure that as the country celebrates this milestone, it does so with a full, honest, and inclusive view of the continent’s original inhabitants. By viewing this moment as a ‘prequel’ to the American story, we invite travelers to engage with the living, resilient cultures that have shaped – and continue to shape – this land.”

Driving Economic Growth through Cultural Connection

At IPW 2026, the Association highlighted the latest tools to help international travelers navigate these unique landscapes, including:

A Unified Presence Representing Destination Native America Row

This year, AIT is proud to host a vibrant cohort of Indigenous exhibitors at its shared booth and Destination Native America Row. This collaborative space allows exhibitors to present a cohesive message, leveraging collective marketing power to reach international markets that are increasingly hungry for authentic, sustainable, and culturally rich travel.

“Our presence here is about building bridges,” added Rupert. “From the heart of the Southwest to the coastal communities of Alaska and Hawaii, the diversity of our Indigenous cultures is the heartbeat of U.S. tourism. We are here to ensure that every connection made this week here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, translates into sustainable growth and cultural preservation for the communities we represent.”

Attended by more than 5,700 international and domestic travel buyers, travel suppliers and international journalists, AIT was thrilled to welcome Indigenous exhibitors from across several U.S. Native Nations and communities to its shared booth and Destination Native America Row (formerly Tribal Row). Together, participants presented a cohesive Indigenous tourism message and provided participants with enhanced marketing opportunities through cross-promotional efforts as well as pre-show technical assistance and training. This year AIT welcomed:

  • Discover Salt River (AIT Booth Partner)
  • Nevada’s Indian Territory (AIT Booth Partner)
  • Tsé Bíghanílíní Tours (AIT Booth Partner)
  • Antelope Valley Canyon Tours (AIT’s Destination Native America Row – formerly Tribal Row)
  • United Houma Nation (AIT Member with Visit Louisiana)
  • Chickasaw Country (AIT Member with Visit Oklahoma)
  • Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (AIT Member with Visit Oklahoma)
  • Grand Canyon West (AIT Member with Arizona Office of Tourism)
  • Tulalip Tribes (AIT Member with Visit Washington)
  • Seminole Tribe of Florida (Visit Florida)

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses contribute $11.6 billion in annual sales to the tourism and hospitality sector in the U.S., according to the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses Report, produced by AIT in partnership with Honolulu-based SMS Research.

For more than 27 years, the American Indigenous Tourism Association has worked to address inequities in the tourism system and has served as the national voice for U.S. Indigenous peoples engaged in cultural tourism, while providing technical assistance, training and capacity building to Native Nations and communities and Indigenous-owned enterprises engaged in tourism, hospitality, and recreation.

Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.AmericanIndigenousTourism.org and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.

About American Indigenous Tourism Association
For more than 27 years, the American Indigenous Tourism Association has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing a mission to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values across the United States and its territories. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, the American Indigenous Tourism Association is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Indigenous board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $11.6 billion Indigenous hospitality sector. Its successful legislative work led to the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.AmericanIndigenousTourism.org and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.    

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Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian, APR
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com

Photo credit: AIT
Caption: AIT and Indigenous exhibitors at IPW 2026

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