The International Indigenous Tourism Conference “Where Nations Meet,” brings together global tourism leaders and Indigenous operators

Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory (Ottawa, ON) – February 27, 2024 – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) kicked off its annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), bringing 1,000 global delegates to Ottawa.

The conference runs from February 26-28 at the Shaw Centre on Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory in Ottawa, ON. This year’s theme, “Where Nations Meet,” will see Indigenous operators, funding partners and industry supporters join a focused conversation on how the global Indigenous tourism sector will continue to flourish. Major announcements are anticipated to roll out over the next couple of days from Canada’s Minister of Tourism as well as major tourism brands.

“Ottawa Tourism is proud to be welcoming the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, the world’s largest Indigenous tourism business event. This is a great time to showcase our city’s and neighbouring communities’ Indigenous tourism operators, performers, artists, and storytellers,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “We believe in ITAC’s vision, that tourism is Reconciliation in action, because tourism is not only an economic driver for communities and for individuals, but also because it is entirely built around person-to-person experiences. We know that through the connections and collaboration that will happen here this week, our industry has the capacity to really make a difference in this space, to bolster even more meaningful and authentic Indigenous experiences across Canada and the world, including in our very own city.”

Caption: The International Indigenous Tourism Conference welcomed 1,000 international delegates to Ottawa with a Grand Entry on February 27. Photo Credit: Simon Ratcliffe

“Indigenous tourism brings economic stability, education, training, and job creation to communities that are often overlooked by global governments,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “It’s no secret that the pandemic, coupled with economic factors such as rising interest rates have had a devastating impact on our national industry. The 2024 IITC, Where Nations Meet, provides an opportunity to unite with Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism leaders and continue to grow the industry so that it is stronger, more sustainable and more resilient than before.”

Caption: President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Keith Henry, shares the vision to make Canada a world leader in tourism by 2030 at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference held in Ottawa. Photo Credit: Simon Ratcliffe

This morning’s keynote address, led by Keith Henry entitled “ITAC Keynote: Vision 2030,” highlighted the work ITAC has undertaken over the past year – with a focus on marketing, development, leadership and partnerships – to make Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.

Other sessions include discussions on The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, reconciliation, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and more. To view the full conference agenda, click here.

For more information on the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), click here.

For IITC images, b-roll and a media kit, click here.

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About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.

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