A bill to help native peoples showcase their cultures in travel, recreational and tourism initiatives, and to give native peoples greater input into national tourism planning, has been approved by Congress.
Dubbed the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience, or NATIVE, Act, the bill was introduced by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and John Thune, R-S.D., in the Senate, which approved the measure in April. The bill was approved by the House on Monday.
The bill would not provide any new funding, but is meant “to enhance Native American tourism through better coordination and collaboration among federal agencies that have tourism programs,” according to the House report on the measure.
The American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association has noted a growing interest in Indian Country as a tourist destination, and U.S. Department of Commerce surveys show that more than 1.65 million overseas travelers visited Indian Country in 2014, according to the measure.
The bill would instruct the secretaries of the departments of Commerce and the Interior and other federal agencies that administer programs related to recreation and tourism to update existing plans to promote tourism among Indian communities.
Under the bill, the Interior and Commerce departments would have to also provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations and Native Hawaiian organizations to help them participate in the tourism industry. The bill would also require federal agencies to support Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history and culture and providing “authentic and respectful visitor experiences.”
“This bill will empower native communities to tell their own stories and build their own economic opportunities. For too long, tourism has focused on so-called major destinations and while that’s important, we have the opportunity to support cultural revitalization and economic renewal through the passage of this bill,” said Schatz in a written statement Tuesday. “Visitors are increasingly seeking out a more authentic and historically rich travel experience, and there is nothing more authentic and unique than the cultural tourism experience our native communities provide.”
According to Schatz’s statement, the bill would provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build “sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity, spur economic development and create good jobs.”
U.S. Travel Association President and Chief Executive Officer Roger Dow said Tuesday that the bill is “a strong piece of legislation that will drive economic growth not only in areas that house Native lands and cultural attractions, but also for communities in every corner of the country.”
“We are pleased to see our lawmakers prioritize a measure that expands travel and tourism promotion opportunities for these lands —particularly allowing them to attract more international visitors, whose trips often have a tremendous positive ripple effect on the surrounding local economy,” Dow said in a written statement.
The bill is supported by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association and the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homeland Assembly, among other organizations.
The bill has been sent to President Barack Obama for his consideration.
