DO-IT Signs MOUs in Rapa Nui and Explores The Original Original Adoption with Chile and Guatemala

Destination Original International Tourism (DO-IT) has achieved significant progress in expanding global Indigenous tourism partnerships, signing two memoranda of understanding in Rapa Nui and holding strategic discussions with government officials in Chile and Guatemala.

Rapa Nui Memoranda of Understanding

Following the recent Rapa Nui Heritage Summit 2025, DO-IT has formalized agreements with the Ma’u Henua Indigenous Community and the Rapa Nui Chamber of Tourism. These memoranda of understanding strengthen DO-IT’s relationships with local authorities and support the introduction of The Original Original accreditation mark not only on the island but across Chile.
“These agreements represent meaningful steps toward building a global network of Indigenous tourism excellence,” said DO-IT CEO Sebastien Desnoyers. “The Rapa Nui community’s commitment to leading their own tourism development aligns perfectly with the principles behind The Original Original.”

Chile Government Discussions

While in Santiago, the DO-IT team met with Chile Undersecretary of Tourism Verónica Pardo and SERNATUR National Director Cristóbal Benítez. Discussions focused on how Chile could adopt The Original Original mark as the national standard for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.
Desnoyers noted strong interest from Chilean officials to move forward quickly on implementation. A Chilean delegation will attend the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC) in Edmonton to continue this important work.

Guatemala Tourism Partnership

DO-IT also met with Harris Whitbeck, Guatemala’s Minister of Tourism and Director General of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), to explore adapting ITAC’s Indigenous tourism methodologies to the Guatemalan context.

With one of the largest Indigenous populations in Latin America, Guatemala represents a significant opportunity to create meaningful economic and social benefits through tourism. The partnership aims to work toward future implementation of The Original Original certification and adapted Indigenous tourism guidelines.

Minister Whitbeck will attend #2026IITC, where the DO-IT team will present a formal proposal outlining how ITAC experts can support Guatemala in developing its Indigenous tourism sector.

These developments demonstrate growing international interest in ITAC-developed tools and methodologies, offered globally through DO-IT, to support authentic Indigenous tourism experiences around the world.