Destinations International, ITAC and AIT Publish Indigenous-Led Tourism Partnership Toolkit

New resource launched at 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton to guide respectful, Indigenous-led tourism partnerships

Treaty 6 Territory, home to many Nations including, Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People (Amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton, AB)  (Feb. 18, 2026) – Destinations International (DI), in collaboration with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the American Indigenous Tourism Association (AIT), today announced the publication of the Indigenous-Led Tourism Partnership Toolkit, unveiled during the 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton, Alberta.

The comprehensive resource, produced with support from the Destinations International Foundation, is designed to guide destination organizations in building respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing tourism systems that are owned, guided and governed by Indigenous Peoples.

Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and relationships to land, Indigenous-led tourism strengthens cultural perpetuation, meaningful employment and long-term community vitality. Across North America, it represents a powerful and growing economic force. In the United States, Indigenous-owned tourism businesses contributed $11.6 billion to the national economy in 2020 and support more than 210,000 jobs. In Canada, Indigenous tourism generated $1.3 billion in GDP in 2023, supporting nearly 54,700 jobs. By 2034, Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute $67 billion USD globally.

“Indigenous-led tourism is not simply a market opportunity; it is a pathway to community vitality, cultural revitalization and self-determination,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “This toolkit provides destination organizations with a practical framework to approach partnerships with humility, respect and long-term commitment, ensuring Indigenous voices are not symbolic participants but leaders at the table.”

“Visitors increasingly recognize the profound value of hearing authentic Indigenous stories—rooted in thousands of years of tradition and passed down through generations—especially when shared by Indigenous people from the very communities they represent,” said Sherry L. Rupert, (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association (AIT). “When tourism is Indigenous-led, it fosters mutual respect and understanding while strengthening cultural pride and preservation. Ultimately, this resource helps ensure that tourism grows in a way that uplifts Indigenous voices, priorities and futures.”

“Indigenous tourism must always be Indigenous-led and grounded in our communities’ values, governance and vision for the future,” said Keith Henry, president & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). “This toolkit is an important step in helping destination organizations understand how to engage with Indigenous communities respectfully and effectively, while supporting economic reconciliation, cultural revitalization and long-term partnership built on trust.”

The toolkit outlines actionable guidance for destination organizations, including:

• Building respectful and culturally aware relationships grounded in research, humility and listening

• Recognizing Indigenous peoples as rights-holders and honoring sovereignty and governance structures

• Supporting Indigenous-defined tourism readiness through self-determined planning and capacity building

• Formalizing partnerships through tools such as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)

• Embedding Indigenous engagement across marketing, procurement, governance and visitor services

• Developing visitor education strategies that promote responsible and culturally aware travel

Drawing on research from Destinations International, the toolkit addresses a critical gap: many destination organizations lack formal relationships with Indigenous communities and seek guidance to establish partnerships rooted in trust and authenticity. It provides practical frameworks, readiness assessments and operational tools to help destinations move from intention to sustained action.

The publication also highlights accreditation models such as “The Original Original Accreditation Program”, created by Indigenous tourism operators and initiated by ITAC, which signals authentic Indigenous ownership and operational excellence. The program is now being adapted by AIT for Indigenous tourism businesses in the United States, and in New Zealand by New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT). Destination Original Indigenous Tourism is working to develop a global stream of the program worldwide. 

The Indigenous-Led Tourism Partnership Toolkit emphasizes that meaningful engagement must extend beyond isolated initiatives. It calls on destination organizations to align governance, marketing, procurement, crisis response and community engagement practices with Indigenous leadership and priorities, ensuring tourism reflects the full identity and future of place.

The full toolkit is available online.