Lekwungwen Territories, Victoria, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to share that Keith Henry, ITAC President and CEO,  hosted a session on “Indigenous Tourism Reality Check,” and Teresa Ryder, ITAC Director of Partnerships, will emcee once again at the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference on January 27-29, 2025.

IMPACT is a conference and regional event series driving momentum towards sustainable and regenerative tourism around the world. The conference believes in tourism’s positive, sustainable growth as a key economic and environmental driver, benefiting each destination for years to come. 

At IMPACT 2025, delegates will explore how the travel industry can create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. Key themes this year include applying a regenerative approach to all aspects of tourism development, climate action, and protecting and restoring biodiversity.

“Indigenous tourism needs leadership from destination marketing organizations, policymakers, and the private sector,” says Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “ Over the past decade, we have lost ten years of economic growth for Indigenous tourism businesses across the country despite visitor demand being stronger than ever. We must ask ourselves why this has happened and, more importantly, how we can work together to improve and solidify Canada’s position as a global leader in Indigenous tourism.”

On Day 2 of IMPACT, Teresa Ryder, ITAC Director of Partnerships, Frank Brown, Hereditary Chief, Heiltsuk Nation; and Anna Atleo, Assistant General Manager, Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, will join a panel to explore the vital relationship of “Indigenous Tourism & Land Stewardship: “Guardians of the Land.”

Also on Day 2, Brenda Holder, ITAC Board of Director Representing Alberta,, alongside Mike Douglas, Michael Pidwarny, Dave Butler, Walt Judas, will join the panel: “Protect Our Winters: Winter Tourism as a Lens into Climate Change” to discuss how changing climates affect winter sports and recreational activities, exploring the implications for local economies and ecosystems.

Edward Bearskin, President/Vice President, Eeyou Istchee Tourism and the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association, alongside John Gunter, Amy Nungent, Hege Vibeke Barnes, and Dr. Jennie Knopp, will join the panel “Exploring the Arctic: Tourism at the Edge of a Changing World. ” The panel will bring experts from sustainable tourism, environmental science, and Indigenous leadership to discuss tourism in the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

For more details about IMPACT, please visit here.