ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 18, 2025) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), returned to the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2025 in Chicago, Illinois, June 14-18, showcasing cultural diversity of Indigenous communities across the United States. AIANTA’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.
U.S. Travel Association’s IPW provides a valuable in-person platform to conduct business and strengthen relationships around the world. As the leading inbound travel trade show, past IPWs have generated more than $5.7 billion in future travel by connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their product and negotiate future business, securing America’s position as a foremost global travel destination and showcasing the best of what the U.S. has to offer.
To continue growing the $11.6 billion Indigenous tourism industry by introducing global travelers to Indigenous communities in the U.S., AIANTA showcased its Top 10 Indigenous Experiences of 2025 list, showcasing remarkable cultural tourism opportunities across Native Nations and communities; AIANTA’s signature NativeAmerica.travel and booking platform; the American Indians and Route 66 Travel Guide in celebration of the upcoming centennial of Route 66; and the recently launched Travel Guide to Tribes Along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, an unprecedented guide that identifies places along the Anza Trail where travelers are welcomed and can explore the history, heritage, and cultures of the tribes in Arizona and California.
“Our presence at this global event is essential for connecting Indigenous tourism businesses with international buyers and for ensuring that the authentic stories and experiences of U.S. Native Nations and communities are shared with travelers worldwide,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. “Indigenous tourism offers unique, immersive opportunities that resonate deeply with today’s travelers seeking meaningful cultural engagement. The connections made and the awareness generated here in Chicago will undoubtedly translate into tangible benefits for our Indigenous communities, supporting sustainable economic growth and cultural preservation.”
Attended by more than 5,700 international and domestic travel buyers, travel suppliers and international journalists, AIANTA was thrilled to welcome Indigenous exhibitors from across several U.S. Native Nations and communities to its shared booth and Destination Native America Plaza (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 AIANTA welcomed:
- Nevada’s Indian Territory (AIANTA Booth Partner)
- Tsé Bíghanílíní Tours (AIANTA Booth Partner)
- Antelope Valley Canyon Tours (AIANTA’s Destination Native America Plaza – formerly Tribal Row)
- Alaska Native Heritage Center (AIANTA Member with Visit Anchorage)
- Chickasaw Country (AIANTA Member)
- Grand Canyon West (AIANTA Member)
- Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise (AIANTA Member)
- Pearl River Resort (AIANTA Member with Visit Mississippi)
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 AIANTA in partnership with Honolulu-based SMS Research.
For more than 26 years, AIANTA has worked to address inequities in the tourism system and has served as the national voice for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian nations 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.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.