The International Aboriginal Tourism Conference
- April 16 & 17, 2014
Indigenous Tourism is about sharing an intimate
knowledge of one's home and way of life; interpreting
history and landscapes through song, dance and stories.
http://www.winta.org/
Expanding the annual national Aboriginal tourism
conference to an international audience, Aboriginal
Tourism BC (AtBC) will be welcoming tourism influencers
from across Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, USA,
South Africa, Bulgaria, Namibia, Mexico, Australia and
New Zealand to Whistler, BC for two days of learning and
networking, April 16 - 17, 2014.
Over the past year, Aboriginal tourism leaders from
across British Columbia have travelled around the world
sharing best practices, and now we are welcoming global
Aboriginal tourism leaders to come to BC and experience
first hand what we have to offer, says Keith Henry, CEO
of AtBC. This is an exciting opportunity for Canada's
Aboriginal tourism industry and we hope to have over 400
delegates in attendance.
Hosted by AtBC, the International Aboriginal Tourism
Conference (IATC 14) will highlight global challenges
and local opportunities, in support of the growth of
Aboriginal tourism world wide. Delegates will meet
leaders involved with the World Indigenous Tourism
Alliance, learn about the United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and celebrate local
Aboriginal tourism leaders during the AtBC industry
awards gala.
Held at the Squamish LilWat Cultural Centre and Fairmont
Chateau Whistler, sessions will also cover the impact of
research to the growing Canadian cultural tourism
industry, tools needed to attract international
visitors, collaborating and partnering with government
and other influencers within the tourism industry, a
national perspective on Aboriginal tourism in Canada,
partnering for conservation and an unveiling of AtBC's
marketing campaign for 2014 - 2015.
Anna Pollock, founder of Conscious Travel, an
alternative model to mass industrial tourism that
develops conscious hosts capable of generating a higher
net return for their business and host community, will
also be the keynote speaker.
Our goal is to expand the conversation from a provincial
and national perspective to looking at global ways
Aboriginal tourism can grow and prosper as a form of
more responsible and sustainable tourism, says Henry. I
agree with the Larrakia Declaration on the Development
of Indigenous Tourism that as the world becomes
increasingly homogenous, Indigenous cultures will become
increasingly important for tourism to provide
differentiation, authenticity and the enrichment of
visitor experiences. We know already that British
Columbia's Aboriginal tourism industry contributes over
$45 million to the provincial economy.
About AtBC
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC)
is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is
committed to growing and promoting a sustainable,
culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. Through
training, information resources, networking
opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, AtBC
is a one-stop resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and
communities in British Columbia who are operating or
looking to start a tourism business. AtBC works closely
with tourism, business, education and government
organizations to help B.C.’s Aboriginal tourism
businesses offer quality experiences and actively
promotes these experiences to visitors and local
residents.
www.Aboriginalbc.com.
Media Contacts:
First
Nations people from the Prince Rupert Hazelton area
and points along the Inside Passage - joined Royal
Canadian Mounted Police officers in Vision Quest.
The 1,000 mile canoe journey, followed the Skeena
River to the Pacific, then headed south in a month
long event. The excitement and inspiration
generated by everyone; the RCMP, First Nations
people, communities, media, the film industry and
those able to contribute financially, shows that a
spirit of cooperation can transcend any barriers.
Final celebrations in Victoria, were timed to
coincide with the opening of the North American
Aboriginal Games.
