Indigenous Tourism Gains Traction in the US But Faces Headwinds
Tribes in California, Maine and South Dakota are building travel enterprises with the backing of governments and major operators. Will anyone come?
The new Native California website highlights more than 600 Native American businesses, cultural sites and events across the state.
Source: The Indigenous Red Market
Balmy beaches, Napa Valley wineries, scenic hikes, Hollywood: The list of California’s draws is practically as long as its coastline. But even if you’ve hit them all, chances are you’ve only skimmed the surface.
In a campaign called “Visit Native California,” which kicked off last month, the state’s tourism office aims to raise awareness that the Golden State is home to 109 of 574 federally recognized tribes in the US, many of whom live in close proximity to must-see sights. To do so, it’s created a content hub that compiles more than 600 Native American businesses, cultural sites and events across the state, making it easy for visitors to tap into a rich tapestry of Indigenous-led experiences.