Visit California has launched a new content experience designed to showcase the state’s Native American communities and tourism offerings. Called Visit Native California, the platform features articles, photos, videos, podcasts and social media posts covering a wide variety of Native American experiences available to travelers, such as cultural centers, museums, Pow Wows, guided adventure tours and more. As part of the initiative, Visit California is connecting with the state’s 109 federally recognized tribes, inviting them to share their stories with travelers.
Our Analysis: Native Communities and Visitors Alike Will Benefit From Indigenous Tourism
California — like many destinations throughout the U.S. and around the world — has a historical and cultural Indigenous legacy that has been overlooked for too long.
As the state with the highest population of Native Americans, and one of the nation’s leading tourism destinations, California is poised to drastically boost national Native tourism promotion and interest with this undertaking.
By highlighting California’s Native peoples, Visit California is not only assisting travelers in discovering some of the state’s most unique offerings, but also helping Indigenous communities take their rightful place at the tourism table. What’s more, the focus on Indigenous tourism opportunities stands to provide economic benefit to both Native communities and the state.
Fast Facts: What’s to Come from Visit Native California
- The Visit Native California content hub debuted March 7, spotlighting Native tourism experiences currently available to travelers.
- Visit California has also partnered with The Outbound Collective, which includes a community of outdoor-focused creators, to create a video series showcasing Indigenous tourism experiences.
- In the coming months, visitors to the site can expect to see prominent individuals from Native American communities spotlighted, followed by a broad collection of tribal profiles crafted collaboratively with members of each Nation.
What They Are Saying: California Is Committed to Partnering With Native Communities
“As the state with the highest population of Native Americans, and one of the nation’s leading tourism destinations, California is poised to drastically boost national Native tourism promotion and interest with this undertaking,” said Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. “We’ve seen the economic benefits that come from uniting under a common banner, but more importantly, we see the power of cultural tourism to support preservation and perpetuation of our culture. This is a tremendous opportunity for California’s tribes.”
“Visit California is honored to create a platform that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Native Americans who have called this place home for thousands of years,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “We’re committed to partnering with California’s tribes and creating spaces to uplift and honor their voices, communities and cultures.”
