The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the American Bus Association (ABA) have entered into a new strategic trade agreement to help grow Indigenous tourism within the group travel sector in North America.?

Indigenous tourism is only expected to grow in importance. A 2024 World Travel & Tourism Council report estimated Indigenous tourism to generate $67 billion to the global economy by 2034, and Indigenous groups and organizations are uniting to promote this unique sector, like Destination Original Indigenous Tourism.

¡°This collaboration represents a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and representative travel industry,¡± said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, AIANTA. ¡°Together with ABA, we¡¯re building connections that bring economic benefits to Native Nations and communities while giving visitors a deeper, more authentic view of Indigenous lands and cultures.¡±

This new partnership will help increase awareness and access to Indigenous tourism experiences within the United States. By connecting AIANTA¡¯s member tour operators with ABA¡¯s network of motorcoach, tour companies and travel service providers, both associations¡¯ members will benefit.?

¡°Indigenous and cultural heritage tourism is not just about seeing a destination¡ªit¡¯s about experiencing the living culture, history, and traditions of the people who call it home,¡± said Ben H. Rome, ABA¡¯s Director of Communications & Brand. ¡°This partnership with AIANTA helps ensure that Native voices and businesses have a stronger presence in the group travel industry, while giving travelers authentic experiences that enrich their understanding of America¡¯s diverse heritage.¡±

Part of the agreement will include their attendance at both associations¡¯ annual events: the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Choctaw, Mississippi and ABA¡¯s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada.?

Both AIANTA and ABA are also members of the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition, a collective of several Canadian and American travel industry associations committed to supporting cross-border tourism as it continues to drop this year.??

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