Indigenous tourism has the power to foster thriving communities, inspire deeper connection to the land, and create a platform to share stories and cultures with the world.
The industry is supported by Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA). ITA works with Indigenous tourism operators to develop and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across the province.
Embrace the Buffalo
This story is told through the eyes of two Indigenous tourism operators, Joseph Urie (Storyteller - Métis Crossing) and Jeanette Many Guns (Many Guns Ranch and Adventures).
It celebrates the sharing of cultures and stories between Indigenous Peoples and travellers from around the world.
The opportunity to help our Indigenous partners share this story reinforces Travel Alberta’s commitment to supporting and amplifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit tourism operators. The Buffalo is our connective tissue. All of ours. Embrace that. Embrace the Buffalo.
Travel Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Growing our vital partnership
In 2023, we renewed our memorandum of understanding with Indigenous Tourism Alberta. This agreement reinforces our commitment to building, growing, and promoting authentic Indigenous tourism experiences in partnership with Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
Our joint engagement report provides clarity on what we hope to offer as partners in tourism development and our intentions for relationship building.
Indigenous Tourism Alberta programs and services
Entrepreneur Workshop
An entrepreneur workshop offered in partnership with Business Link that outlines the Indigenous Tourism industry and how to turn an idea into a business plan.
Six Senses Experiential Development
This program pairs ITA members with expert mentors to grow their market-ready experiences to an export-ready level.
Good Relations Mentorship
This one-on-one mentorship program pairs Indigenous tourism operators with Catalyste+ Advisors to expand skills in business planning, marketing, grant writing, operations, building partnerships, and more.
Pathway 1.0
This innovative grassroots training program empowers Indigenous community members to discover and achieve their tourism vision, while remaining grounded in traditional values and local realities.
Walk Your Path
This mentorship program builds on the foundational knowledge learned in Pathway 1.0 and empowers Indigenous community members to start their own community-based tourism organizations.
Marketing and promotion
Indigenous Tourism Alberta offers marketing and promotional support to market-ready tourism operators, providing access to photography/video services, advertising, and more.
Travel Alberta programs and services
Destination Development Team
Our destination development managers work directly with tourism operators and communities to support experience development, planning support, business coaching, networking, and facilitating investment and funding opportunities.
Tourism Investment Program
Travel Alberta funds new and expanded tourism experiences, events and festivals, and community tourism initiatives across the province. We have invested millions of dollars in dozens of Indigenous-owned businesses across the province.
International marketing
Through photography, award-winning videos, social media, advertising campaigns, publication features, and pre-packaged travel itineraries, we encourage travellers to choose authentic Indigenous experiences in Alberta.
Investor Concierge Service
Our investor services team works to attract private investment to tourism businesses in Alberta. We work directly within communities to identify business opportunities and match tourism operators to potential investors.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Indigenous Tourism Alberta if:
- You are an Indigenous entrepreneur or community leader and want to develop a tourism experience
- You want assistance in improving your Indigenous tourism offering to get it to the market ready/export ready stage
- You have an Indigenous-owned product or experience that is ready to be sold in international markets
- You are looking for a grant or investment in a product or experience
Contact Travel Alberta if:
- You are an Indigenous entrepreneur or community leader and want to participate in regional destination development planning
- You have an Indigenous-owned product or experience that is ready to be sold in international markets
- You are looking for a grant or investment in a product or experience
To develop Indigenous tourism in Alberta, we have to walk together. Alberta is already knocking it out of the park because we’re working together to tell these stories to the world. To grow the industry, we’ll need to partner as much as possible. It’s not just about Indigenous tourism. It’s all of us.
