CARSON CITY, N.V. (April 23, 2026) – Recognizing the significant $11.6 billion annual contribution of American Indigenous tourism firms to the U.S. economy, the American Indigenous Tourism Association (AIT) is now accepting submissions for the esteemed Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards.
These awards celebrate outstanding achievements in travel and cultural tourism across nine distinct categories. The 2026 recipients will be formally honored during the Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Tulalip, Washington, as part of the 28th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC).
Building upon the dynamic evolution of the industry, the American Indigenous Tourism Association continues to highlight excellence in the following categories:
- Indigenous Destination of the Year: Honoring U.S. Indigenous destinations that drive economic growth and cultural preservation through authentic visitor experiences and exceptional heritage programming.
- Best Cultural Heritage Experience: Recognizing recurring festivals and performers that celebrate authentic Indigenous traditions through arts, dance, and cuisine while significantly boosting local tourism and visitor satisfaction.
- Excellence in Customer Service: Recognizing individuals and organizations in Indigenous tourism that deliver exceptional hospitality through a dedicated culture of service, inclusivity, and community commitment.
- Industry Professional of the Year: Honoring professionals and volunteers who advance AIT’s mission through exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedicated support for sustainable Indigenous tourism.
- Best Indigenous Culinary Tourism Experience: Honoring businesses showcasing authentic Indigenous food and beverage.
- Indigenous Futures Award: Recognizing up to three Indigenous individuals (aged 30 and under) for impactful contributions to the industry.
- Indigenous Artisan of the Year: Celebrating artists who serve as vital cultural ambassadors and preserve traditions.
- Best Indigenous Music Experience of the Year: Recognizing authentic showcases of Indigenous music, dance, and performance.
- Industry Partner of the Year: Recognizes an industry partner whose leadership, innovation, and allyship have significantly strengthened Indigenous tourism and fostered respectful, long-term partnerships with Indigenous Nations and entrepreneurs.
“The Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards underscore the $11.6 billion economic power of American Indigenous-owned tourism and celebrate the innovation within our Native Nations and communities,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indigenous Tourism Association. “As we gather in Tulalip this year, we look forward to recognizing the diverse contributions that are shaping the future of our industry and creating unforgettable experiences for global travelers.”
Investing in the Future: American Indigenous Tourism Association’s Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship: Education serves as the heartbeat of the American Indigenous Tourism Association’s mission, specifically through the development of a sustainable hospitality industry and the cultivation of future tourism leaders. The association remains committed to encouraging Indigenous students to sustain and strengthen their cultural legacies while building professional careers in the tourism sector. In a transition from previous years, the 2026 event will not include a silent or live auction. Instead, the association is focusing its efforts on direct support for the next generation through the AIT Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship. This program provides U.S. Indigenous students with vital financial assistance toward degrees or certificates in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts, and related fields. Gala attendees and supporters are encouraged to donate to this fund, directly helping students achieve their academic and professional goals within the industry.
Nomination and Registration Details: AIT invites nominations for individuals and enterprises – from large-scale casino resorts to community cultural centers – that consistently exceed expectations and craft unforgettable visitor experiences.
- Submission Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026
- Submit Nominations: www.americanindigenoustourism.org/excellence-in-indigenous-tourism-awards/
- Register for AITC 2026: Registration is now open for the 28th Annual Conference, held October 19-22, 2026, on the tribal homelands of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington. Visit www.americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc to learn more.
Registration is also now open for the 28th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be held on the tribal homelands of the Tulalip Tribes, October 19-22, 2026, at Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington and organized by the American Indigenous Tourism Association. To register and learn more, visit www.americanindigenoustourism.org/aitc.
or 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.