Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), (Vancouver, BC) – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to share its first yearly report on the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund (ITDF). In response to the ongoing lack of consistent and adequate funding from the Government of Canada, ITAC has taken a crucial step by creating the ITDF.

This fund is established to address the growing need for resources to support the development and promotion of Indigenous tourism across the country, which is used to invest in infrastructure, human resources and development and marketing projects benefitting the Indigenous tourism industry across Canada.

The ITDF aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, emphasizing the importance of economic opportunities and partnership with Indigenous communities.

ITAC is working towards its 2030 Vision to become the global leader in Indigenous tourism. To make that vision a reality, ITAC has laid out an investment path that supports the required industry growth through investments in three priority areas:

  • Infrastructure & Destination Development
  • Building a Sustainable Tourism Workforce
  • Business Development and Promotion

To date, the ITDF has helped to advance crucial projects such as The Original Original Accreditation Program and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations. Additionally, it has played a critical role in progressing towards ITAC’s Vision 2030 targets.

ITAC’s vision for 2030 is for the Indigenous tourism industry to contribute $6 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) — making Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism. To make that vision a reality, the Indigenous tourism industry needs to grow substantially in both the number of businesses and the number of industry employees.

  • 2,700 Indigenous owned and operated tourism businesses (up from 1,900 in 2019)
  • 60,000 jobs in Indigenous tourism (up from 39,000 in 2019)
  • $6 billion in contributions to Canada’s GDP (up from $1.9 billion in 2019)

Partnership with ITAC

By partnering with ITAC to collect a small fee from guests, tourism businesses can actively contribute to reconciliation efforts and support the creation of meaningful and sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous tourism operators. Initiatives like the ITDF are essential for leveling the playing field between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Through the ITDF, ITAC and its partners are working towards a future where Indigenous tourism thrives, cultural heritage is preserved, and reconciliation is actively pursued.