Native News
American Indigenous Tourism Association Showcases Native Tourism at IPW 2026
The American Indigenous Tourism Association returned to the premier international travel marketplace, IPW 2026, this week in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting the cultural diversity and growing economic impact of Indigenous tourism experiences across the United States.
Held May 17-21, IPW brings together travel buyers, media, and tourism professionals from around the world, offering Native tourism entrepreneurs a global stage to share authentic cultural experiences rooted in Indigenous communities and traditions.
AIT leaders said participation in the annual event has helped elevate Indigenous tourism within the broader U.S. travel industry while creating opportunities for Native Nations and communities to strengthen their economies through tourism.
“IPW remains the essential platform for connecting Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs with the international travel market,” the organization said in a statement. “By engaging directly with global buyers and media, the Association is ensuring that Indigenous voices remain central to the narrative of U.S. travel.”
The organization also used the event to introduce and reinforce its new identity as the American Indigenous Tourism Association, reflecting a continued focus on expanding opportunities for Native-led tourism initiatives nationwide.
“As we embrace our new identity as the American Indigenous Tourism Association, our commitment to our members and the broader Indigenous tourism industry has never been stronger,” said Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the organization. “We are here at IPW to show the world that Native Nations and communities are not just destinations – they are the original storytellers of this land.”
Rupert said today’s travelers are increasingly looking for meaningful cultural connections and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional tourism.
“Travelers today are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections, and our members are ready to provide that authentic engagement while ensuring that tourism growth directly benefits our communities,” she said.
Indigenous tourism has become a growing sector of the travel industry in recent years, with Native-owned businesses and cultural destinations offering experiences that range from outdoor recreation and historical interpretation to culinary tourism, arts, and cultural education.
AIT officials said participation in international travel events like IPW helps ensure Indigenous communities have a stronger voice in shaping how Native cultures and destinations are represented to travelers worldwide.