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The Industry Advisory Group includes business and government leaders committed to the responsible development of Indigenous tourism through the Americas.  In addition to tourism, the group represents broader development issues, such as infrastructure, education and healthcare, which impact Indigenous communities. While the group does not determine tribal direction or interfere with Indigenous narratives and cultural traditions, industry participants will collaborate with Indigenous leaders on developing and executing on an action plan with market potential. That way, Indigenous community tourism opportunities can be developed and packaged in a way that resonates with the growing numbers of travelers seeking culturally authentic experiences.

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

The ATTA is a privately held, for-profit industry trade group that serves to network, educate, professionalize and promote the adventure travel industry. We succeed only by serving our members and advancing responsible, sustainable adventure travel practices. The ATTA recognizes that tourism, when done well, has a great ability to provide positive opportunities for Indigenous community development. The travel industry has a tremendous responsibility to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are part of the economic equation of tourism that involves them and that the Indigenous communities visited are being respected and treated fairly, and that their ancestral rights, history, and cultural assets are being maintained. We believe it is an honor to provide Indigenous community experiences to travelers and that we as an industry has a moral obligation to strive to manage this relationship and experience as responsibly as we can.

Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members the organisation provides specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.

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The Center for Responsible Travel

The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the positive global impact of responsible tourism. Based in Washington, DC, we assist governments, policymakers, tourism businesses, nonprofit organizations, and international agencies with finding solutions to critical issues confronting tourism, the world’s largest service industry. Through innovative field projects, research, consultancies, and advocacy, CREST is taking action to address our world’s key threats to securing a sustainable future.

As part of these efforts, CREST is committed to addressing social and economic inequality of indigenous peoples within the tourism sector, strengthening local cultures, and helping destination communities realize the benefits of responsible tourism. CREST supports indigenous communities with the development of community-led cultural experiences, designed to help them benefit economically from tourism and preserve their land and culture.

Central University of Ecuador

The Central University of Ecuador is the oldest university and second largest university by population of students in Ecuador.

Destinations International

Destinations International

Destinations International is about serving destination marketing and management professionals first and foremost. Together with our members and partners, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association: exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people, and elevating tourism to its highest potential.

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G Adventures

In 1990, Bruce Poon Tip founded G Adventures with nothing more than two credit cards and a burning desire to create an authentic, sustainable travel experience like nothing the world had ever seen. By offering adventure-craving travelers an alternative to the resorts and cruises they were accustomed to, he not only changed the way people looked at their holiday time, but changed the face of travel forever. More than 28 years later, the only thing that hasn’t changed is an inherent belief in the core values that continue to inspire our being and business today.

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet’s most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travelers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Indigeno Travel

Indigeno Travel is a business with an economic and a social mission: to create meaningful careers for Indigenous people, generate much-needed revenue for Indigenous communities and provide unique value for our Indigenous and non-Indigenous customers alike. We are Canada’s leading edge, Indigenous-owned full-service travel agency. In addition to corporate and leisure travel, we specialize in creating world-class Indigenous tourism itineraries. By promoting Indigenous cultural entrepreneurs and community-based tourism experiences, Indigeno contributes to local economies and builds capacity in our Indigenous heartland.

Intrepid Travel

Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Intrepid is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference – by investing in local communities, human rights initiatives, wildlife conservation projects and the environment. We’re all about operating in a responsible manner and incorporating principles of sustainable tourism and development into the way we provide our travelers with real life experiences. These values are more than just words; they’re ingrained in the culture and daily operations of every Intrepid office and trip.

We help travelers give back to the places they visit through our not-for-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation. Since 2002, we’ve donated over AU $7.5 million to grassroots projects around the world. By empowering local people through sustainable travel experiences we can make travel better for everyone. The Intrepid Foundation matches all donations dollar-for-dollar to double your impact. We cover all administrative costs too, so 100% of giving goes directly to the projects.

Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development (MOTBD)

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montana’s spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality, and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business. Its goal is to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all Montanans and their communities by strengthening the economy through job creation and business development. In conjunction with other divisions of the Montana Department of Commerce and partners around the state, MOTBD’s programs aim to support businesses through technical assistance, research, and access to grants and loans while inspiring visitation to maximize the economic impact of tourism, encourage private sector investment and ensure that Montana is a great place to live, work and play today and for future generations.

New York University School of Professional Studies

The NYU School of Professional Studies offers a unique brand of industry focused education that prepares students to become leaders of industry. We strive to look ahead, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams and exceed their expectations.

Ottawa Tourism

Founded in 1970, Ottawa Tourism has been bringing visitors, tours, media and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region for more than 40 years.

Through industry leadership and destination marketing, Ottawa Tourism, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization, works together with more than 400 tourism-related member businesses to profile Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region as a diverse place to visit. From the city’s cultural gems to award-winning attractions and restaurants, we showcase the best of what Canada’s capital has to offer.

Planeterra Foundation

Planeterra is the leading non-profit using community tourism for poverty alleviation. By working with Indigenous and rural communities with a focus on women and youth, we ensure the ripple effects of tourism are endless.

Through grants and training, we help community businesses earn an income from tourism. Local businesses then invest in their economies, education, healthcare, and the environment. We connect our community tourism partners to the market and together develop meaningful experiences for travellers. By strengthening community tourism around the world, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel. A third of Planeterra’s global community tourism partners are Indigenous communities, across 20 countries.

Secretariat for the Integration of Central American Tourism

Small Planet Consulting

Small Planet is a consulting and marketing firm dedicated to creating a Better World through Better Tourism. We help destinations and businesses to build sustainable tourism economies that connect Community, Culture, Conservation and Commerce.

Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution that produces the Smithsonian Folklife FestivalSmithsonian Folkways Recordings, exhibitions, documentary films and videos, symposia, publications, and educational materials. Our philosophy is to join high-quality scholarship with strong community participation and engaging educational outreach. This has led to activities that have affected cultural heritage policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.

The Center’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Initiative uses research and presentation methods from the Folklife Festival to curate engaging, inclusive, and sustainable community-based tourism experiences. We help hosts convey their heritage by working together to create extraordinary experiences—both immersive and unforgettable—instilling a sense of place and leaving travelers with enduring memories. Our process prioritizes an equitable relationship in order to ensure communities directly benefit from sharing their cultural heritage worldwide. Our work in tourism leverages other synergistic initiatives, such as the Center’s work with artisans and the Festival.

South Dakota Department of Tourism

The South Dakota Department of Tourism’s mission is to promote the state as a premier vacation destination to all visitors and to support and serve the South Dakota visitor industry.

Whether it’s promoting South Dakota’s legacy attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial or our world-class pheasant hunting experience, it’s a privilege to tell people about our great destinations. We love to tell the story of the rich culture of the Native Americans and the history of pioneers like Laura Ingalls Wilder.

We’re here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to meet our Great Faces and explore our Great Places.

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Southeast Tourism Society

Southeast Tourism Society, also known as “STS”, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism throughout the Southeast United States. STS is comprised of fourteen regions: Alabama, Arkansas, The District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

TourCert Ecuador

At TourCert, we are a community of certified companies, consultants and auditors worldwide, independent and competent certification councils, staff, and proprietors.

In the cooperation and in the development of a joint operational model for sustainable tourism, we play our part in contribution to the necessary transformation in tourism towards a world in which justice prevails, human rights are respected and natural resources are used in a responsible manner.

Tourism Cares

Tourism Cares’ mission is to advance the travel industry’s positive social and environmental impact. We believe it is in our best interest to support the destinations we all depend on so that communities, travelers and businesses can prosper.

Using the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guide, we work to mobilize leading travel associations and companies to use business as a force for good by convening, educating, and motivating all sectors to make a positive impact through travel.

The Travel Foundation

The Travel Foundation brings together travel businesses, suppliers, community groups, governments, local authorities and more to develop practical solutions which maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of tourism in destinations.  To this end, The Travel Foundation works with those who plan and manage tourism in a way that ensures they can identify, measure and manage the impacts of their tourism activities; embed sustainability into core policies, supporting frameworks and operational practices; and share the results of their work with their peers and competitors, inspiring change in others.

Travel Oregon

The Oregon Tourism Commission (Travel Oregon) works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $12.3 billion tourism industry that employs more than 115,000 Oregonians.

Travolution

Travolution International is an organization that seeks to promote sustainable local development through Community Tourism from two different perspectives. Firstly, Fundación Travolution has non-profit subsidiaries in Argentina , Chile and Colombia , which develop various projects together with rural and indigenous communities.

Parallel to the foundation, a commercial platform has been developed, Travolution Travel , a tour operator specialized in Community Tourism in Chile, which seeks to promote authentic encounters and life-changing experiences for our travelers and communities.

TreadRight / The Travel Corporation

At TreadRight, our mission is clear; to have a positive impact on the people and communities we visit, to protect wildlife and marine life, and to care for the planet we call home.

 

A not-for-profit organization created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation has supported some 55-plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide to date.

U.S. National Park Service

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 330 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.

We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.

The Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech

The Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers internationally ranked undergraduate degree, industry-driven Master’s degree located in the National Capital Region (NCR), graduate certificates, or globally-renowned research-focused Ph.D..

Wind Creek Hospitality

Wind Creek Hospitality is the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Dedicated to providing a first-class Guest experience, Wind Creek Hospitality has in just a few short years become one of the most respected and fastest growing brands in the gaming industry. Our portfolio includes 10 properties located throughout the United States and the Caribbean, with each destination providing a uniquely entertaining escape for our Guests.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

For nearly 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive.

As the world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in nearly 100 countries. At every level, we collaborate with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live.

106 Group

106 Group is an award-winning firm providing services for cultural heritage planning, cultural resources management, and interpretation & exhibit design. We have extensive experience developing cultural tourism plans and programs for many American Indian communities. Through effective planning and the power of story and place, we help make your vision a reality.

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