VANCOUVER, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) — The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Destination Canada have partnered with Signature Travel Network, representing the first global partnership between an Indigenous organization and Signature Travel Network.
Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel cooperative, includes 277 member agencies with more than 600 retail locations worldwide. Members generate more than $11 billion in annual travel sales.
The partnership’s announcement will occur at the National Signature Conference in Las Vegas from Nov. 8 to 11. ITAC will sponsor the conference’s opening reception and be recognized as a Signature Preferred Destination Association partner.
The partnership will also benefit Indigenous businesses by bringing tourism professionals out for a Signature Educational Journey, otherwise known as a FAM.
“Moving Indigenous businesses into the international spotlight through the Signature Travel Network will help our industry grow,” says Keith Henry, president and CEO of the ITAC. “We know visitors are increasingly interested in experiencing Indigenous tourism while in Canada, and this new partnership will help connect travellers with high-quality Indigenous businesses, restaurants and attractions.
“Establishing this direct relationship with ITAC gives us the ability to delve deeper to provide meaningful enhancements to our packages in Canada that meet the goals of Indigenous communities,” says Chris Alestra, VP of Destination and Air Partnerships at Signature Travel Network.
