Native tourism – tourism that directly engages Indigenous tribes – was on the rise prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, experts are finding even more people are seeking authentic travel experiences and traveling to lesser-known places. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, one professor at the George Washington University highlights the continued efforts of developing sustainable and equitable tourism among tribal nations and industry, state and federal partners.
If you would more context on this matter, please consider Seleni Matus, the director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies and an adjunct professor of tourism at GW. Matus has spent more than 15 years designing and directing large, multi-stakeholder initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean that have enhanced the quality of tourism offerings and helped to ensure the long-term health of natural ecosystems.
In leading the International Institute of Tourism Studies, Matus and her team are helping develop initiatives that support inclusive economic growth of Indigenous communities, build bridges where there haven’t been in the past, and foster a deeper understanding of Native American culture in places like North and South Dakota. Their work is expanding into Maine, where stakeholders are looking for the Institute to facilitate more inclusive Indigenous tourism planning on the East Coast. Their works spans not only the U.S., but internationally as well.
Matus can discuss various topics related to Native tourism, including reopening opportunities in Native communities, creating guidelines and tools to organize information and tours, and the exchange of ideas and experiences hemisphere wide. She can also speak to the marginalization of Native American communities and the important work of repairing trust moving forward.
If you would like to speak with Professor Matus, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
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