Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the release of its 2023-24 Annual Report. The new look of the report highlights ITAC’s continued success in supporting its record-breaking year for members and the advancement of Indigenous tourism from coast to coast to coast, with key achievements in development, marketing, leadership, and partnerships.
The fiscal year 2023-24 saw new programs and initiatives to foster long-term growth and a balanced budget. Key national highlights included the launch of Truth2Action Training, a reconciliation training program for the tourism industry, and the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund, which exceeded expectations by raising $232,000. Similarly, the Indigenous Tourism Fund – Micro and Small Business Stream, funded by the Government of Canada, provides vital support to Indigenous tourism operators. So far, $3.7 million has been allocated to 145 Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada. The report also showcases the success of The Original Original Accreditation Program, which now has 219 accredited businesses, and the 11th International Indigenous Tourism Conference, which brought together over 1,000 delegates to the unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinabeg territory in Ottawa.
International Services expanded Indigenous tourism globally through collaboration, with ITAC representatives participating in events in Chile, Colombia, and the U.S., fostering global partnerships and promoting Indigenous tourism on the world stage. Marketing efforts saw significant success with campaigns like out-of-home advertising and the Nourished Land series, and the 5th edition of Nations magazine was entirely written by Indigenous writers. Marketing also participated in global tourism trade events, such as the Indigenous Showcase in Berlin.
Additionally, Development facilitated meetings with provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism associations and launched the Northern WE in Tourism Study. Leadership and Partnerships supported national events, including sponsoring the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Tourism Congress and participating in TIAC’s Town Halls across Canada, to name just a few.