The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Destination Canada Formed a new partnership with Premium Travel Network, A member-owned travel cooperative of 277 member agencies with over 600 retail locations worldwide.
Collectively, Signature members generate more than $11 billion in annual travel sales, according to a press release Tuesday (October 4).
The agreement represents the first global partnership between Indigenous Peoples and the Signature Travel Network.
He says, “Moving Indigenous business into the international spotlight through the Signature Travel Network will help our industry grow.” Keith HenryPresident and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “We know that visitors are increasingly interested in experiencing Aboriginal tourism while in Canada, and this new partnership will help connect travelers with quality Aboriginal businesses, restaurants and attractions.”
Read more: Truth and Reconciliation and How Travel Can Support Indigenous Peoples throughout the Year
Henry said the partnership will also benefit indigenous companies by bringing tourism professionals abroad Signature Educational Journeyotherwise known as FAM.
“We know that not everyone knows what to expect from an Aboriginal tourism experience, but by hosting the travel trade at FAM, businesses will have the opportunity to share our lands, cultures and cuisines in an authentic way, so agents can better understand and sell the experiences to their customers.”
Chris AlestraSignature’s vice president of destination and air partnerships said Signature is excited to collaborate with ITAC to expand the network’s awareness of Indigenous-owned travel products.
“Establishing this direct relationship with ITAC gives us the ability to dig deeper to deliver meaningful improvements to our packages in Canada that meet the goals of the Aboriginal communities,” Alestra said.
Alestra said knowledge of ITAC guidelines to help companies become export-ready gives the network the confidence to include Indigenous offerings in their training and marketing materials.
The partnership will be announced in National Signature Conference in Las Vegas from November 8-11, 2022 and will reach 7,000 travel advisors.
ITAC will be recognized as the Signature Preferred Destination Association’s partner and will be the sponsor for the inaugural conference reception.
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