Ottawa will host the 11th Annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory.
The event, scheduled to take place from 25 – 28 February 2024, is being organised by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
The conference will host over 1,000 delegates over four days, hosted by Ottawa’s Shaw Center.
ITAC has been at the forefront of promoting authentic Indigenous experiences, fostering partnerships, and supporting economic development within Indigenous communities across the country.
Through collaborations with associations, organisations, government departments, and industry leaders, ITAC addresses the demand for the development, and marketing, of these unique cultural offerings.
According to the association, their vision is to “help make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.”
“The 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference represents a landmark event for Ottawa,” says Lesley Mackay, Ottawa Tourism’s vice president, of Meeting and Major Events. “We are honoured to welcome Indigenous leaders, tourism operators, and industry stakeholders to Ottawa.”
The conference will focus on creating partnerships between associations, organisations, government departments, and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada. It will also address the demand for the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences.
By providing essential services such as economic development advisory, conferences, professional development training, industry statistics, and information, ITAC empowers Indigenous tourism operators and communities to flourish in the cultural tourism sector.
The association envisions a thriving Indigenous tourism economy that offers visitors authentic, memorable, and enriching experiences, celebrating the rich heritage and diverse cultures of Indigenous communities across Canada.
Ottawa Tourism has encouraged all stakeholders, industry leaders, and participants in the Indigenous tourism sector to save the date for the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference.
