Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – In an effort to further support Canadian Indigenous tourism businesses from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is waiving its annual $99 membership fee in 2021-2022 for Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and Indigenous lead tourism organizations. ITAC is also waiving its annual $199 Marketing Upgrade fee for members who are export-ready and meet all the eligibility requirements.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant negative impacts on the Indigenous tourism industry, it is imperative that Indigenous communities, businesses and the Indigenous tourism industry remain united. With international borders still closed and health units across the country limiting domestic travel to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the Indigenous tourism industry has been especially affected and ITAC wants to provide as much savings to Indigenous tourism businesses as possible.

As part of the partnership agreements that ITAC has with Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Quebec and Travel Nunavut, members of these Provincial/Territorial Indigenous tourism organizations will automatically become members of ITAC. ITAC is encouraging all members who are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Québec or Nunavut to renew their membership directly with their respective Provincial/Territorial Indigenous tourism organizations.

All members who are located outside of British Columbia, Alberta, Québec or Nunavut, will be sent an email with renewal instructions and easy-to-follow steps that will automatically link them to their membership account. Members who would like to renew will be asked to confirm the information ITAC has on file. New members wishing to join ITAC will need to go through the steps on ITAC’s website for new membership found here.

“As a member-driven organization, ITAC would like to thank all members for their continued support as ITAC navigates and pivots through the COVID-19 crisis,” says Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “Valued memberships and partnerships continue to allow Indigenous Tourism to strengthen and grow in Canada.”

If you have any questions or concerns throughout this process, please do not hesitate to contact Angela Ryder at Membership@IndigenousTourism.ca.