Our Mission
To define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous Tourism that honors traditions and values.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Indigenous Tourism serves as a powerful catalyst for economic sovereignty, celebrates cultural authenticity, and empowers Native Nations and communities to thrive through meaningful partnerships, powerful cultural expression, and global recognition.
About Us
Rooted in culture. Driven by Community. Powered by Tourism.
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. The American Indigenous Tourism Association's legislative advocacy led to the passage and funding of the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation.
Economic Impact
$11.6 Billion Annual Sales Generated
Indigenous-owned tourism firms contributed $11.6 Billion to the U.S. economy in 2020.
133,043 Hospitality Businesses
133,043 Indigenous-owned businesses are in the hospitality industry—an increase of 10% from 2019.
210,000 Hospitality Employees
Indigenous-owned hospitality businesses employ 210,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers.
Our Regions
The American Indigenous Tourism Association has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States.
1. Alaska
2. Central California
3. Central Plains (Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio)
4. Great Basin (Nevada, Eastern California)
5. Hawai’i
6. Midwest (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
7. Northeast (Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia)
8. Northwest (Idaho, Washington)
9. Oklahoma
10. Pacific Northwest (Northern California, Oregon)
11. Rocky Mountain (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming)
12. Southeast Alaska
13. Southeast (Alabama, Arkansas, East Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
14. Southern California
15. Southwest (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, Utah)
Grounded in Our Story
Working to Expand Cultural Tourism
Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can explore American Indigenous Tourism Association resources and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.
Grounded in Our Story
Expand Cultural Tourism
Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can explore American Indigenous Tourism Association resources and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.