During National Native American Heritage Month in the United States, experts say there are hundreds of opportunities to seek out sustainable, equitable tourism activities and people may not have to travel far to find them. One professor at the George Washington University is highlighting the continued efforts of developing sustainable and equitable tourism and the ways in which travelers can support sustainable tourism among indigenous communities.
Seleni Matus is 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 has expanded 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.
“I would love to raise awareness of the more than 573 tribal nations that exist throughout this wonderful country of ours,” Matus says. “If [anyone] is planning a trip, to make sure that they turn to NativeAmerica.Travel as a key resource to really be able to access itineraries, to get ideas on what is on offer where, and to not discount the fact that there may be experiences that you can have on the weekend in your neighborhood.”
WATCH: Hear more from Prof. Matus about the Institute’s mission, the importance of sustainable tourism among indigenous communities, and how travelers can seek inclusive tourism activities here.
If you would like to speak with Professor Matus, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
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