January 7, 2020 Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – Today, Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), congratulates ITAC’s Teresa Ryder on her two-year appointment to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) Board of Directors.

Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, TIAC serves today as the national private-sector advocate for the $102 billion sector. Based in Ottawa, TIAC takes action on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper.

“Teresa’s appointment is an indication that Canada’s tourism industry leaders respect the important role Indigenous tourism is playing in growing the sector as a whole,” says Henry. “As our Director of Business Development, she knows what Indigenous tourism needs to grow and prosper across the country and will be an important asset at the TIAC boardroom table as they advocate on behalf of the whole industry.”

Ryder is of Musqueam descent. She was born in the Lower Mainland and raised on Vancouver Island, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. Before joining ITAC, Ryder worked for the Indigenous Tourism Association of BC and in various roles in the hospitality industry.

“I am honoured to be a part of such an important board and advocacy organization for tourism,” says Ryder. “I look forward to learning more from my fellow directors as well as informing them of the ongoing growth potential and needs of Indigenous tourism in Canada.”

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  www.IndigenousCanada.Travel.

For more information on ITAC visit www.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

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