April 17, 2019, Iqaluit, Nunavut – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, and Travel Nunavut have signed a memorandum of understanding.
The memorandum of understanding sets the framework to create opportunities to develop and support Indigenous tourism with the intent of contributing to the overall well-being of Inuit and other Indigenous entrepreneurs. It is the first MOU in Canada to ever be fully translated in an Indigenous language, Inuktitut.
“This is an extremely exciting development that will help increase awareness of Indigenous tourism in Nunavut,” says Keith Henry, president & CEO of ITAC. “Given the increased demand for authentic Indigenous experiences in Canada, we are confident we can support and grow the Indigenous tourism sector in Nunavut by working collaboratively.”
ITAC will work with Nunavut Tourism and Nunavut Territorial Government to:
- Support the development of Indigenous tourism products and experiences
- Provide training and mentorship to support the growth of sustainable market-ready and export-ready Indigenous experiences
- Increase awareness and generate demand for Indigenous tourism in key domestic and international markets
- Create a platform encouraging and facilitating opportunities for Inuit and other Indigenous entrepreneurs to take an active role in the development and promotion of Indigenous tourism
This partnership between ITAC, the department of Economic Development and Transportation, and Travel Nunavut is a vital element in achieving a thriving Indigenous tourism industry in not only Nunavut, but the whole of Canada.
According to a recent research report by the Conference Board of Canada, there are 107 Indigenous owned tourism related businesses (over 51 per cent Indigenous ownership) in Nunavut. These cover a range of business types including accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, arts and heritage, outdoor adventure and retail.
For more information, visit www.IndigenousTourism.ca.
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 out pacing Canadian tourism activity overall, and international demand for Indigenous experiences at an all-time high, ITAC recently updated its five year plan. To view packages and experiences available visit www.IndigenousCanada.Travel. For more information on ITAC visit www.IndigenousTourism.ca
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Media contacts:
Jenna Hickman, Beattie Tartan: (250) 592-3838, (250) 514-3480 (cell) or Jenna.Hickman@BeattieGroup.com
Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: (604) 639-4408 or Keith@IndigenousTourism.ca
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