ALGONQUIN ANISHINABEG TERRITORY (OTTAWA) — The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) held its annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), Feb. 26 to 28, bringing 1,000 global delegates to Ottawa.
This year’s theme, “Where Nations Meet,” saw Indigenous operators, funding partners and industry supporters join a focused conversation on how the global Indigenous tourism sector will continue to flourish.
“Indigenous tourism brings economic stability, education, training, and job creation to communities that are often overlooked by global governments,” says Keith Henry, president and CEO of ITAC. “It’s no secret that the pandemic, coupled with economic factors such as rising interest rates have had a devastating impact on our national industry. The 2024 IITC, Where Nations Meet, provides an opportunity to unite with Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism leaders and continue to grow the industry so that it is stronger, more sustainable and more resilient than before.”
During the event, a keynote address, led by Keith Henry entitled “ITAC Keynote: Vision 2030,” highlighted the work ITAC has undertaken over the past year — with a focus on marketing, development, leadership and partnerships — to make Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.
Other sessions included discussions on The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, reconciliation, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and more.
