American Bus Association and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Partner to Advance Indigenous Tourism in the Group Travel Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 20, 2025 / ABA and AIANTA Partnership to Promote Cultural Heritage, Economic Growth, and Authentic Travel Experiences
The American Bus Association (ABA) and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) have entered into a strategic trade agreement to strengthen opportunities for U.S. Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses in the group travel sector. This collaboration underscores ABA’s commitment to supporting Indigenous tourism as a driver of cultural preservation, economic growth, and authentic travel experiences across North America.
As part of the agreement, ABA and AIANTA will exhibit at each organization’s annual event: the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Choctaw, Mississippi, and ABA’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada.
AIANTA’s research indicates that Indigenous tourism has a significant economic impact, providing travelers with unique, place-based stories and experiences rooted in Indigenous cultures. These businesses are often small, locally-owned operations that contribute directly to community well-being and cultural continuity. By connecting these operators with ABA’s network of motorcoach and tour companies, destinations, attractions, and travel service providers, the partnership creates new avenues for collaboration, itineraries, and visitor engagement.
“Indigenous and cultural heritage tourism is not just about seeing a destination—it’s about experiencing the living culture, history, and traditions of the people who call it home,” said Ben H. Rome, ABA’s Director of Communications & Brand. “This partnership with AIANTA helps ensure that Native voices and businesses have a stronger presence in the group travel industry, while giving travelers authentic experiences that enrich their understanding of America’s diverse heritage.”
Through Marketplace networking, targeted marketing, and educational exchanges, ABA will actively support AIANTA’s mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous Tourism that honors traditions and values. This includes promoting opportunities for ABA members to incorporate Indigenous-owned and -operated attractions, accommodations, and experiences into tour offerings.
“This collaboration represents a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and representative travel industry,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. “Together with ABA, we’re building connections that bring economic benefits to Native Nations and communities while giving visitors a deeper, more authentic view of Indigenous lands and cultures.”
As the motorcoach, group tour, and tourism sectors continue to evolve, the ABA–AIANTA partnership stands as a model of how industry collaboration can expand cultural understanding, diversify travel offerings, and strengthen local economies.
About Us
About the American Bus Association
Founded in 1926, the American Bus Association (ABA) is North America’s leading trade association representing the full spectrum of group travel, domestic tourism, and ground transportation. ABA brings together motorcoach operators, tour companies, manufacturers, travel destinations, attractions, and tourism organizations to connect people with places—and drive the business of travel forward.
ABA delivers best-in-class services to its members through its signature events and programs, including ABA Marketplace—the premier North American travel and group tour show—and a nationally recognized advocacy and regulatory affairs program. ABA’s Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC) is the industry’s foremost resource for safety, compliance, and operational training, while the Driving Force Council serves as the leading voice for workforce development and talent solutions across the industry.
Through its 501(c)(3) affiliate, the ABA Foundation, ABA invests in the future of the industry by supporting scholarships, advancing critical research and data collection, and leading efforts to combat human trafficking on America’s roadways.
About the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association
For more than 26 years, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Native board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $11.6 billion Native hospitality sector.
AIANTA’s successful legislative work led to the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values.
Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel.
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