Meeting to discuss aboriginal tourism

Across Canada, more than 33,000 men and women are employed in aboriginal tourism ventures. Alberta’s culture and tourism officials hope to see the industry grow in this province, boosted by a $100,000 grant to create a province-wide indigenous tourism organization.

Keith Henry, president of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada, and Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism, will be in Lethbridge on Friday as part of a series of regional meetings for present and potential aboriginal tourism entrepreneurs.

“Indigenous peoples in Alberta have inspiring stories to tell and can offer authentic, educational experiences that visitors are seeking,” says Henry.

“We encourage Metis and First Nations in the province to seek out and establish tourism businesses that will create employment opportunities and grow your local economy.”

Overall, the tourism industry in Alberta supports more than 19,000 businesses and 127,000 jobs, officials report. Miranda says the provincial government hopes to see aboriginal businesses play a greater role in its growth.

“The Alberta government is proud to work in partnership with the ATAC and to be the first provincial government to provide funding in support of this collaborative work.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help create jobs for indigenous communities, help strengthen Alberta’s overall economy and give visitors a meaningful cultural experience.”

Earlier this spring, officials say, Travel Alberta joined the Destination Canada and Tourism Calgary organizations to host Rendez-vous Canada, the nation’s major tourism marketplace.

The Aboriginal Canada Pavilion, showcasing 41 businesses, was one of the busiest during a four-day event that attracted more than 550 buyers from 29 nations.

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