Alaska-based Indigenous Tourism Organization Latest to Join Leave No Trace Program for Responsible Tourism

May 18, 2021

BOULDER, Colo. (May 18, 2021) — The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) are excited to announce a new partnership to promote a consistent, nationwide message of sustainable tourism throughout indigenous communities across the United States.

“Tribal lands are located on or adjacent to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the world, and we are excited to work with Leave No Trace to solidify a message of responsible tourism to help protect these treasured destinations,” says Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA. “AIANTA’s marketing and educational efforts directly align with The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, which encourage travelers to leave minimum impact when visiting the great outdoors.”

U.S. travelers are increasingly visiting America’s national parks, national forests and other beloved outdoor recreation areas, most of which are the ancestral homelands of America’s indigenous nations, but the increase in traffic has led to a dramatic growth in stress on infrastructure at those sites.

The new partnership will provide tribes and indigenous communities with tools such as Leave No Trace environmental and sustainability information, which they can in turn share with visitors and residents.

“Leave No Trace is thrilled to work with AIANTA and its partner nations to better inform travelers on how to leave minimal impact when visiting precious outdoor areas,” says Dana Watts, executive director of the Leave No Trace Center. “We’re excited to see this partnership resonate throughout all tribal lands, giving tribes a framework on how to guide visitors into enjoying a more impactful travel experience.”

According to Leave No Trace research, the ideal opportunity for influencing visitors in a positive way around sustainable outdoor tourism occurs in the planning phase of the trip.

This partnership is the first of its kind. AIANTA joins three state destination marketing organizations, including the Arizona Office of Tourism, Visit North Carolina and Colorado Tourism Offices, as part of the Leave No Trace tourism partnership program.

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Media Contacts:

Monica Poling, AIANTA, mpoling@aianta.org

Ailsa Walsh, Leave No Trace: ailsa@LNT.org

About AIANTA: For nearly two decades, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the national center for providing tourism and recreational travel technical assistance, training and capacity building to American Indian nations. AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit association of Native American tribes and tribal businesses and was incorporated in 2002 to advance Indian Country tourism. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values.

About the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a Colorado-based, national 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment by teaching people to enjoy it responsibly. The Leave No Trace Center has delivered educational programs in the United States and internationally since 1994. Leave No Trace works to educate, build partnerships, conduct research on best practices, and empower volunteerism. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides a foundation to build a nationwide outdoor ethic of critical importance — for now and for the future: www.LNT.org  www.facebook.com/LeaveNoTraceCenter or on Instagram through @LeaveNoTraceCenter.