Indigenous Tourism Association Of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), established in 2015, leads the national effort to grow and promote Indigenous tourism across the country. As a non-profit organization, ITAC provides leadership in developing and marketing authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, fostering a thriving economy that shares memorable and enriching cultural encounters. ITAC builds robust partnerships with government, industry, and other associations to expand the sector. It offers economic development advisory services, professional training, and industry data to operators and communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ITAC demonstrated its advocacy by distributing over $16 million in non-repayable grants to 678 Indigenous tourism businesses through its Stimulus Development Fund. The association also launched the "Destination Indigenous" consumer website and manages "The Original Original Accreditation Program," which validates authentic Indigenous products and services. Its annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference and Indigenous Tourism Awards celebrate industry excellence. All initiatives emphasize cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and community development – aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).