ITAC has completed partnership with Chilean Government to create national guidelines for developing Indigenous tourism

December 3, 2019, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has completed the first phase of a successful contract with the Government of Chile, helping develop the country’s Indigenous tourism industry and utilizing ITAC’s best practices and expertise.

“ITAC was honoured to be asked by the Government of Chile to support growing their Indigenous tourism economy and we undertook three missions and significant internal work with senior team members, evaluating opportunities within the country,” says Keith Henry, ITAC’s CEO and President. “By sharing our learnings and expertise globally, we not only help Indigenous tourism grow worldwide, but we also continue to build ITAC’s reputation as a tourism leader.”

While in Chile earlier this month, Henry presented Chile with its first-ever national manual for Indigenous tourism, which will be used by Chile’s tourism industry to better support and nurture Indigenous tourism operators. Henry is now in negotiations for Phase Two, which will focus on new tools and guidelines to help develop an estimated 35 new Indigenous tourism businesses across the country, as well as export-ready, signature Indigenous experiences for the South American country.

“We have the opportunity to bring Chile’s Minister of Tourism and other Chilean industry leaders to Canada to experience our own signature experiences first hand,” says Henry. “This special best practice mission will allow our Indigenous tourism members to showcase their best work, knowing they are supporting Indigenous communities within a country which will realize phenomenal benefits by growing their own Indigenous tourism economy.”

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing 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 other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.  With Indigenous tourism outpacing Canadian tourism activity overall, and international demand for Indigenous experiences at an all-time high, ITAC recently updated its five-year plan. Additionally, ITAC just launched their Nations magazine, highlighting Indigenous people and experiences across the country. To book packages and experiences travellers may visit IndigenousCanada.Travel.

For more information on ITAC visit IndigenousTourism.ca.

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Media contacts:
Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan
250-592-3838, 250-882-9199
Deirdre.Campbell@BeattieGroup.com

Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
604-639-4408, 778-388-5013
Keith@IndigenousTourism.ca