Indigenous tourism is increasing steadily around the globe due to its many benefits, each of which highlights the deep ties of the local people to the area where they live, work, and play. In fact, many indigenous tourism operators naturally follow the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even when they aren't specifically aware they exist.
Giving back by raising cultural awareness, protecting the environment, and providing support for programs that center on self-determination are three key hallmarks of indigenous-run tourism operators who are changing the lives of their communities.
6 Indigenous-run Tourism Operators Changing the Lives of their Communities
The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department provides tours of panoramic Monument Valley, Utah with licensed Navajo Nation (NN) tour guides. Here you can join a tour group on a 17-mile loop through the famed ancient valley, where sun-streaked sandstone formations such as The Three Sisters and Yei Bi Chai haven't changed in thousands of years. Not only do the guides point out the hidden gems of the valley, but they know the nooks, crannies, and weather patterns of these lands like the back of their hand.
If you want a more personalized tour with an indigenous guide, bring your own 4-wheel drive vehicle, or enjoy one of the select few horseback riding adventures. Make sure to book a room on the third floor of the Valley's only hotel, The View, for the best showcase of the stars - with an environmentally-friendly design. Private cabins and camping spaces are also available.
Approximately 174,000 people make their home in the surrounding pristine lands
All proceeds from the park entry fee and backcountry permits benefit the Navajo Nation, which uses the funds for community projects and to run the Trading Post at The View, where a large selection of Navajo artistic and homewares are available. When you come, you're asked to follow Navajo Nation tribal laws, including no rock climbing (to avoid environmental damage) or drone footage. Staying within designated tour areas is another requirement so that the approximately 174,000 local people who make their home on the surrounding pristine lands can continue to enjoy the uninterrupted views of this 'Big Sky' country.
Nestled between the cities of Whakatane and Rotorua in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, Kohutapu Lodge at Lake Aniwhenua on the banks of the Rangitaiki River is operated by the Toe Toe family of the Ngati Manawa (Eel People) tribe. Their deep ties to the land stretch back approximately 400 years before the Great Migration of UK and Australian settlers that occurred between 1871 and 1890. To date, they've given back a staggering half-million dollars to the local community.
The Jurassic Podocarp Forest walking tour is a highlight of a stay at this North Island oasis. It's one of two ancient forest types that once covered about 80% of the islands. The Whirinaki Native Rainforest guided tour takes you through the region's history, legends, and cultural tales, and reveals how a Local Māori Guide can "call" endangered birds to you from the tree-top canopies. You'll also learn about the different plants used as medicine for the local community. For biking enthusiasts, the Whirinaki Mountain Bike Track wraps through the lush greenery and is designed for beginning-to-mid-level riders.
Sip on a drink from the 'Taniwha' mystical creature bar or try your hand at one of the most renowned local customs - eel fishing!
Flexibility is the name of the game at Kohutapi Lodge, where you can try your hand at preparing your own meal using the traditional Hāngī (hot tone firepit cooking), participate in weaving lessons, and learn how to do the local ceremonial haka dance. The nearby river operators even offer whitewater rafting excursions. Or sit back, relax, and enjoy meals prepared for you in the communal kitchen while you take in the natural vibes and sip on a drink from the 'Taniwha' (mystical creature) Bar.
At the end of the day, relax in comfort in your choice of communal cabin, cottage with kitchenette, or self-contained house – or if you're a night owl, try your hand at one of the most renowned local customs, nighttime eel fishing!
Combining eastern therapeutic practices with her Celtic roots in mysticism. Irish native Ann Ward is changing the face of tourism by bringing nature, meditation, and mindfulness into the mix. Her immersive experiences include historical tours of Christian and Celtic sites in Northern Ireland's magical Ring of Gullion, where woodland faeries are said to roam among the age-old volcanic formations that encircle Slieve Gullion mountain.
Visit Sleive Mountain's 5th century church and get to know the Celtic healing practices handed down from generation to generation
Ann's mother was born on this mountain, and today her daughter captures their native heritage in her Sacred Sites Tour of Killeavy guided walking tour and 10-mile Killeavy Camino immersive pilgrimage. You'll see Slieve Mountain's 5th-century church, learn about Ireland's first female saint, and get to know the Celtic healing practices handed down from generation to generation. The local pubs and markets get in on the action too, welcoming visitors for a relaxing lunch before trekkers continue on up the mountain and through the area's rejuvenating forests.
A graduate of the British School of Meditation, Ann also offers Forest Bathing Workshops, which are a combination of nature tourism, exercise, and meditation practice. The tradition originated in Japan after government officials learned about its wellness benefits, such as its ability to boost people's immunity.
If you join a group or one-on-one Xhale trek through the rugged Ring of Gullion, you're encouraged to wear high-quality walking shoes or boots, have waterproof gear on hand, and bring a backpack and extra layers of clothing. Walking poles are also suggested for the uneven uphill climbs.
The indigenous Berber population of North Africa was dubbed by the Romans using the Latin word for 'barbarian', but they actually call themselves 'Amazigh', meaning the free people. They've been in the region that's now Morocco since at least 3000 B.C., and currently make up about 40% of the country's population.
The three main Amazigh tribes have generally settled by region, with the Riffians in the north, the Zayanes in the central regions, and the Cheluh (Shilhah) in the south – where local leaders near the historical city of Errachidia have formed the award-winning Amazigh Emotions Tours.
Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Mourzougi - home to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes - are a few of the amazing tour stops
Dromedary camel transport is just one of the many unique cultural experiences you get to enjoy with these multi-faceted trekking adventures. The group operates throughout the country and specializes in Atlas Mountain adventures, Sahara Desert Bivouacs (camps), and authentic cultural excursions. Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Mourzougi (home to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes) are a few of the tour stops on their plethora of tour routes, which range in length from 3 to 15 days.
The team at Amazigh Emotions offers an amazing array of services and tour options. They just ask that you bring your valid passport, your custom requests - and an open-minded sense of adventure!
For the past 18 years, the largest gathering of Indigenous people in the world, known as Free Land Camp, has taken place in Brazil's capital city. About 1,500 miles north and west, on the border with Venezuela, another movement is taking place among the peaks of the remote Imeri Mountains that is shaking up how the country's tourism industry operates.
Amid the breathtaking backdrop of Brazil's highest peak, Pico da Neblina (Peak of the Mist), the indigenous Yanomami people are beginning to see the payoff from their tourism planning work with national and international agencies.
The peak they call 'Yaripo' (where the winds cross) is now completely self-managed – and newly opened as of March 2022 after a 20-year closure. The Yanomami tour guides offer deeply immersive expeditions that reflect their strong ties to the mountain that they consider spiritual.
A 10-day trek takes you on a journey to the mist-strewn peak 9,822 feet in the air
It's recommended that you be in good physical shape for their 16-day mountain-climbing excursion, which includes plenty of time for travel by boat and plane to the remote locale from the nearest city of Manaus, 500 miles away. Then a 10-day ascent/descent takes you on a journey with a small group of fellow hikers and Yanomami porters, cooks, and guides to the mist-strewn peak, 9,822 feet in the air, before returning back to the forest below.
Only Amazon Emotions is authorized by the Yanomami to book their expeditions, and the trip comes with some risk because of the illegal mining operations in the area. If you do manage to get a much-coveted spot, you'll be supporting the tribe's newfound control of their blossoming ecotourism industry. A portion of the cost for each trip is contributed to the Yanomami Association of the River Cauaburis and Affluents (AYRCA) and the Kumirayoma Yanomami Women's Association (AMYK).
Situated in Canada's Opimihaw Valley (where the Wanuskewin traditionally came to escape the winter winds), the Wanukewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon sits on land that was a multi-cultural gathering spot for the Great Plains peoples going back 6,000 years. Because it has been largely untouched by industry, it contains numerous archeological finds, many of which predate the Egyptian pyramids.
The 'wâhkôhtowin' Bison Program offers advanced exploration of the indigenous connection to the herds
The Wanuskewin people are using this record to piece together previously unknown facts about the rich history of the North American tribes. They created this family-friendly park that opened in 1992 in cooperation with the City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority to share hands-on experiences of that history and culture with the wider community. Year-round guided tours include Archeology, Bison, Native Plant, and Step Back in Time Walks, along with the 'wâhkôhtowin' Bison Program for advanced exploration of the indigenous connection to the herds.
A National Historic site, the park doesn't permit alcohol, pets, drones, drugs, or biking on the walking trails in order to preserve the land. If you're part of a group of 15 or more, you can combine your tour with an overnight stay in one of the Traditional Tipis, and choose from a wide variety of fun and interactive events. The park also has its own restaurant that serves contemporary indigenous fare.
Allies of indigenous self-determination can support the Protect Thacker Pass initiatives.
