american indian tourism conference 2023

Registration Now Open for the 25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

AITC, scheduled for October 2-5, 2023, at Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant is organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and will be held on the tribal homelands of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in Durant, OK.

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  (July 11, 2023) – Registration is now open for the 25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be held on the tribal homelands of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, October 2-5, 2023, at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma and organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).

AIANTA, the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, will celebrate 25 years at AITC as the leader in indigenous tourism. Each year, the AITC attracts more than 300 attendees who participate for second-to-none networking opportunities, high-level keynote sessions and informative breakout sessions led by some of the hospitality industry’s leading experts.

American Indian Tourism Conference Date: October 2-5, 2023 Location: Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant 4216 S. Hwy 69/75 Durant, OK 74701 This year’s AITC will take place at the Choctaw Casino & Resort, which is a AAA Four Diamond resort, entertainment, and convention destination in Durant, Oklahoma. Located less than 100 miles northeast of Dallas, Texas, east of the Chickasaw Nation, Durant is the city where fun lives. The Sky Tower opened in August 2021 and doubled the occupancy making it the largest hotel in the state. Whether you are relaxing by Oklahoma’s largest pool, watching sporting events on the giant screen, eating a luxurious meal, or enjoying the hottest musical entertainment, Choctaw provides Las Vegas style amenities to fit just about everyone’s pleasure. There is even a children friendly area with bowling, movies, and arcade games. “Halito from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma – we welcome AIANTA and are honored to host the 2023 AITC,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “Tourism is large and growing sector of our reservation economy, and we look forward to sharing our ideas, accomplishments, and the Chahta culture,” he said.

The 25th anniversary theme, “We are Still Here!” captures the enduring spirit and resilience of the 574 federally recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiians who have called these lands and waters their home for centuries. As AIANTA celebrates this milestone, we too are reminded of the challenges we have faced and overcome, emerging stronger and more determined than ever to amplify the voices of our people and share their stories with the world. Starting with a simple idea, we have grown to become a leading force in the tourism industry, setting the stage for even greater success in the next 25 years and beyond. “We are Still Here!” not only honors our past, but also represents our unwavering commitment to the future.

“This year’s American Indian Tourism Conference promises to be our largest gathering yet as we celebrate 25 years as the only national conference dedicated to growing travel and tourism in America’s Native Nations and communities,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert. “AIANTA is proud to partner with our host the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to bring best-in-class education, training and networking opportunities, as American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses continue to contribute to the growing tourism and hospitality sector in the U.S.”

Mobile workshops are an AITC tradition as AIANTA partners with the local host Tribe to showcase Native tourism experiences around the conference host site. On Monday, October 2, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will provide guests with two one-of-a-kind cultural tourism experiences including the new Choctaw Cultural Center and a visit to the Tribe’s reservation in southeast Oklahoma. In addition, the Chickasaw Nation, located in south-central Oklahoma, invites you to explore the historical sites of Chickasaw Country in a fun-filled day of hands on-activities, historical demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours.

A favorite AITC event, the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards, will honor the best and brightest in Indian Country tourism including Tribal Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service and Industry Professional Award. This event is accompanied by dinner and a silent auction on Wednesday, October 4. The auction raises funds for AIANTA’s tourism and hospitality scholarship program.

Conference registration begins at $525 for AIANTA members who register by the early bird deadline (August 1, 2023). A select number of exhibitor spaces are available at $800 per booth for members and $1,000 for non-members. As with previous years, the conference will also feature a Business of Art Seminar and Native Art Market, and artisans are encouraged to secure a table for $300. To register and learn more about AITC, visit www.aianta.org/aitc .

AIANTA has delivered on its mission over the last two and a half decades to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values with several key accomplishments, most notably its successful legislative work that led to the 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; and in 2016, as AIANTA was awarded the U.S. President’s “E” Award for organizations contributing significantly to increase U.S. exports.

Tribes 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 Native culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel .

About AIANTA Celebrating 25 years this year, AIANTA was established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system. Governed by an all-Native board of directors, AIANTA serves as a united voice for the $14 billion Native hospitality sector. AIANTA’s priorities are; 1) to provide technical assistance and training, research, and publications to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities engaged in tourism and hospitality; 2) to facilitate conversations with the Native communities, federal agencies, non-profit associations, and elected officials on the economic and cultural importance of a healthy hospitality industry; 3) to highlight the importance of visiting authentic Native destinations, including cultural, heritage, historic, and artistic sites; and 4) to generate awareness, interest and demand for these destinations with domestic and international travelers, the travel trade and the media. www.aianta.org

Contact: Liz Slobodian on behalf of AIANTA (904) 237-1285 or [email protected]

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25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference

October 2, 2023 - october 5, 2023.

October 2-5, 2023 Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant hosted by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant 4216 S. Hwy 69/75 Durant, OK 74701 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), now in celebrating its 25th anniversary, is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s Native American communities.

Every year the conference attracts more than 300 attendees, who attend for the networking opportunities, the high-level keynote sessions and the informative breakout sessions led by some of the leading hospitality industry experts. At their first-ever virtual conference we had 800 registrants.

Learn more and register today .

The Events Calendar includes not just NATHPO events but also trainings, exhibits, shows, conferences, and consultations put on by our community partners and are listed solely to provide information and are not endorsed by NATHPO. Please feel free to submit an event using the (+) ; as soon as it is approved, it will appear on the calendar.

25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference

10/2/2023 - 10/5/2023, description.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is scheduled for October 2-5, 2023, at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing travel and tourism in America's indigenous communities. The conference attracts more than 300 attendees annually, who attend networking opportunities, high-level keynote sessions and informative breakout sessions led by leading hospitality industry experts. 

Our 25 th  Anniversary theme, "We are Still Here!" speaks to the journey that the nation's 574 federally-recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiians have endured on the lands and waters they and their ancestors have called home for thousands of years. Much like these Tribes, AIANTA has persevered and met the challenges head on, emerging yet stronger and more determined than ever to ensure that our people and our stories are heard around the globe. AIANTA, started with an idea, that our communities could be part of one of the largest industries in the world and 25 years later, We are Still Here, setting the table for the next 25 years and beyond!

 The AITC is perfect for tribal leaders, tribal entrepreneurs and staff working in tourism, museums, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation, camping and RV Parks, planning and economic development, workforce development, cultural preservation, transportation, hotels and casinos, arts programs, gift shops and youth programs. It also provides value to tour operators, travel agents and media interested in learning more about Indian Country Tourism. Artisans and Exhibitors interested in networking with these partners should secure an exhibitor booth to share their art, products and services.

Registration Fees

• Access to all conference activities, excluding Mobile Workshops
• Meals:   one meal package per conference registration to include: one plated breakfast, Two continental breakfasts, daily refreshment breaks, three lunches, opening reception, and the gala banquet with a cash bar. 
• Access to the "Business of Art Meeting"
• Admission to Exhibitor Hall

For more detailed information and registration link 

Additional Info

October 2-5, 2023

Registered Guests

White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA):   White House Council on Native American Affairs (bia.gov) Consultations and Listening Sessions Schedule (bia.gov)

Department of the Interior - Indian Affairs: Upcoming Tribal Consultations | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov)

About the Event:

AITC, scheduled for October 25-28 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, is organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and hosted by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Registration is now open for the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be hosted by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, October 25-28, 2021 at the  We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort  in Fort McDowell (Scottsdale), Arizona. The conference, organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) is the only national conference in the U.S. dedicated to travel and tourism in and for Indian Country.

American Indian Tourism Conference

Date: October 25-28, 2021

Location: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

18200 E. WeKoPa Way Fort McDowell, AZ 85264

This year’s AITC will take place at the all-new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, which recently unveiled a dazzling renovation. Guests of the hotel, which has received AAA Four Diamond status every year since its opening, can enjoy excellent dining options from an all-star lineup of chefs that have served guests at some of the leading luxury resorts around the world.

Each year, AITC kicks off with unique  mobile workshops  that highlight the culture of local area tribes and foster networking opportunities for attendees to share, teach and learn from one another. This year’s mobile workshop will provide a deeper dive into cultural activities showcasing Arizona tribes.

A favorite AITC event, the  Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards  (formerly the Enough Good People Industry Awards), will honor the best and brightest in Indian Country tourism including Tribal Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service and Industry Professional Award. This event is accompanied by dinner and a  silent auction . The auction serves to raise funds for AIANTA’s tourism and hospitality scholarship program.

Conference registrations begin at $525 for AIANTA members who register by the early bird deadline (September 14, 2021). A select number of exhibitor spaces are available at $800 per booth for members and $1,000 for non-members. As with previous years, the conference will also feature a local artisan fair, and artisans are encouraged to secure a table for $300.

Every year, AITC brings together tribes, tribal enterprises and other travel industry experts for networking, business development and informative, breakout sessions that cover topics of interest with respect to tourism development and marketing.

Now in its 23rd year, AITC is held regionally throughout the United States every fall.

To register and for more information, visit  www.aianta.org/aitc.

About AIANTA

For nearly two decades, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the national voice for American Indian nations engaged in cultural tourism. In addition to serving as the voice for Indian Country tourism, AIANTA provides technical assistance and training to Tribal nations and Native-owned enterprises engaged in tourism,

hospitality and recreation.

About The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is an 889-member Native American tribe that calls Central Arizona’s upper Sonoran Desert home. Located to the northeast of Phoenix within Maricopa County, Arizona, the 40-square mile reservation is a small part of the ancestral territory of the once nomadic Yavapai people, who hunted and gathered food in a vast area of Arizona’s desert lowlands and mountainous Mogollon Rim country.

For more information, contact:

Monica Poling

PR & Media Manager, AIANTA

[email protected]

505.724.3578