Hemispheric Collaborations
Coordinated collaboration across the Western Hemisphere is essential to advancing Indigenous tourism that is inclusive, sustainable, and led by Indigenous communities themselves. As the only initiative of its kind, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies, through the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas (ITCA), is working with Indigenous communities, non-native businesses, policymakers, and government representatives to build, strengthen, and maintain cross-sector alliances.
Our hemispheric efforts are empowering tribes by unifying advocacy, creating opportunities for capacity-building, fostering knowledge-sharing, and establishing a shared vision for the future of Indigenous tourism.
Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas
Established in 2021, following the Indigenous Tourism Forum of the Americas—a conference hosted by GW’s International Institute of Tourism Studies in partnership with the Organization of American States and the Bureau of Indian Affairs—the collaborative now includes 100 Indigenous and tourism industry leaders who meet regularly to exchange ideas and experiences, and to drive engagement.
To advance its mission of supporting and amplifying Indigenous perspectives in the tourism industry, the Collaborative has spearheaded several key initiatives. These include the creation of the Indigenous Tourism eLibrary, a comprehensive resource hub for communities and businesses; the Distinguished Indigenous Leaders Lecture Series, which builds on the momentum of the NATIVE Act; a survey of over sixty Indigenous tourism organizations to assess planning and capacity needs; and the “Indigenous-Driven Tourism” webinar, which explored decolonization through autonomy and partnership.
ITCA'S KEY INITIATIVES
