In a statement, the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) has expressed its strong support for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and underscored the importance of sustained and stable funding for the organization and its initiatives.
CATO points out that over the years, ITAC has played a critical role in advancing Indigenous tourism across Canada, fostering meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous communities while enriching the Canadian tourism experience through authentic cultural engagement and reconciliation in action.
In fact, the organization said that many of our CATO member tour operators have worked closely with ITAC for several years to help develop and promote tourism experiences and tour packages in partnership with Indigenous communities across the country and abroad.
And CATO continued, these collaborations have not only created unique, high-quality travel products for domestic and international visitors but also contributed directly to local employment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and regional economic development.
The tour operators’ association pointed out that the progress achieved in Indigenous tourism over the past decade has required significant trust-building, partnership development, training, product development, and international market positioning. Interruptions or uncertainty in funding risk undermining these important gains at a time when Indigenous tourism continues to demonstrate strong growth potential and growing demand from travellers seeking authentic and responsible travel experiences.
Said CATO: “As Canada positions itself as a world leader in sustainable and inclusive tourism, ITAC is a key national partner in achieving these goals. Continued federal support for ITAC is therefore not only an investment in tourism, but also in economic reconciliation, cultural preservation, and community development.”
And it added: “We respectfully asked the Government of Canada, the RT Hon. Prime Minister, Minister Rechie Valdez and several other Ministers to work toward a sustainable solution that will allow ITAC to continue its important mandate and maintain momentum for Indigenous tourism development across the country.”
CATO concluded: “ITAC has had a positive impact on the Canadian tour operating sector and on tourism partnerships with Indigenous communities. We invite others to support this important organization.”
Go to www.cato.ca for more.
Photo courtesy of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
