Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Destination Indigenous were proud to showcase the richness and diversity of Indigenous tourism at the highly anticipated Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) 2025, which took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from May 27–30, 2025. This annual event, Canada’s premier international tourism marketplace, brought together industry leaders, tourism professionals, and buyers from around the globe.
The presence of ITAC highlighted the growing prominence of authentic Indigenous tourism in the country, providing a platform for Indigenous tourism businesses to connect with international buyers, media, and industry partners.
The 2025 event not only emphasized Indigenous culture but also offered a comprehensive look at how tourism can be a powerful tool in preserving and promoting Indigenous voices and heritage. From impactful performances to networking opportunities, ITAC’s involvement reinforced its role in expanding the global visibility of Indigenous tourism in Canada.
Honourable Nellie Kennedy Welcomes RVC 2025
The event kicked off with a significant moment when Keith Henry (President & CEO of ITAC), Teresa Ryder (Director of Partnerships), and Tamara Littlelight (Director of Marketing) were invited to meet with Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Culture, Sport, and Tourism for Manitoba. Minister Kennedy’s welcoming remarks highlighted the critical role of events like RVC 2025 in connecting global buyers with Canadian sellers. She also emphasized the economic impact of such events for the tourism sector in Manitoba.
In her ministerial statement, Kennedy acknowledged the important contributions of ITAC, Destination Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Travel Manitoba, and Tourism Winnipeg, all of whom worked collaboratively to ensure the success of RVC 2025.
The recognition not only underscored the importance of Indigenous tourism but also demonstrated the integral role that ITAC plays in enhancing the Indigenous tourism landscape in Canada.
Destination Indigenous Takes the Spotlight at the RVC 2025 Opening Reception
ITAC’s presence was further celebrated during the RVC 2025 Welcome Ceremony, with the Destination Indigenous team taking the lead in supporting the event. In collaboration with Travel Manitoba, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, and Tourism Winnipeg, ITAC infused the opening reception with vibrant Indigenous cultural performances.
The highlight of the evening was the powerful performance by the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, a talented sibling trio from Winnipeg. Their hip-hop jig—a fusion of the traditional Red River Jig and contemporary hip-hop dance styles—captivated attendees and created an unforgettable start to the conference. This dynamic performance showcased the blending of tradition and modernity, illustrating the evolving nature of Indigenous culture in Canada.
ITAC Supports Powerful Indigenous Welcome Ceremony
A cornerstone of the event was the Indigenous Welcome Ceremony, supported by ITAC, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM), Travel Manitoba, Tourism Winnipeg, and the Manito Ahbee Festival. The ceremony began with an electrifying mini grand entry, where dancers performed a variety of traditional dance styles such as the Grass Dance, Jingle Dress Dance, Chicken Dance, and Fancy Shawl Dance. The drumbeat set the tone for the ceremony, creating a powerful atmosphere that celebrated Indigenous heritage and culture.
Following the grand entry, remarks were made by several Indigenous leaders, including Métis Elder Dan Dandenous, Keith Henry of ITAC, Holly Courchene of ITM, and Edna Nabess of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. The speakers emphasized the significance of authentic Indigenous representation in tourism and the crucial role of events like RVC 2025 in amplifying Indigenous voices. They also highlighted the importance of ITAC’s The Original Original mark of excellence in ensuring that Indigenous tourism experiences are both authentic and impactful.
Destination Indigenous Pavilion: A Platform for Indigenous Tourism Businesses
One of the most significant aspects of ITAC’s participation was the Destination Indigenous Pavilion. This dedicated space on the RVC floor was designed to showcase 41 export-ready Indigenous tourism businesses. The pavilion served as a vibrant marketplace where these businesses could connect directly with international buyers, industry partners, and media representatives. It provided a space for Indigenous tourism operators to forge new relationships, increase global awareness of Indigenous tourism experiences in Canada, and highlight the diversity of experiences on offer—from guided tours to cultural events, local crafts, and culinary offerings.
The pavilion was a dynamic representation of the strength and diversity of Indigenous tourism, offering a platform for these businesses to engage with key stakeholders and expand their reach into international markets. It also served as a reminder that Indigenous tourism is not a singular experience but rather a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and stories from across Canada.
ITAC RVC Mentorship Program: Preparing the Next Generation of Indigenous Tourism Leaders
In its third year, the ITAC RVC Mentorship Program welcomed 10 mentees—emerging Indigenous tourism operators who were either newly export-ready or nearing readiness. The mentorship program, a collaboration between ITAC and Indigenous Tourism Alberta, provided these participants with invaluable support in managing appointment schedules, engaging with trade and media representatives, and preparing them for future events.
The mentorship program offers a unique opportunity for Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs to gain the skills and experience needed to navigate the complexities of international tourism markets. By preparing emerging leaders to engage confidently with potential buyers, the program is helping to build a sustainable, thriving Indigenous tourism sector for the future.
Inside Track Panel Participation: Elevating Indigenous Tourism
During RVC 2025, ITAC’s Markus Kruse (Sales and Travel Trade Manager) participated in the Inside Track Panel as part of Destination Canada’s Inside Track breakout sessions. The panel highlighted the rapid growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada, the latest industry trends, and ITAC’s leadership in driving international awareness. Through strategic programs, partnerships, and initiatives, ITAC continues to elevate the profile of Indigenous tourism globally.
Trade & Media Engagement: Spreading the Word
ITAC’s commitment to spreading the word about Indigenous tourism was evident in their extensive trade and media engagement efforts at RVC 2025. Markus Kruse and Ryan Rogers (ITAC’s Communications Manager) engaged in over 100 one-on-one trade appointments with international tour operators and travel advisors. These conversations facilitated the development of new partnerships, while Ryan Rogers also took part in a roundtable discussion with 23 attending media representatives. This roundtable discussion helped to amplify the profile of Indigenous tourism in Canada, ensuring that the media took away a deeper understanding of the sector’s potential and importance.
Destination Canada and ITAC Networking Zone
The Destination Canada and ITAC Networking Zone, which returned for its third year, acted as a central hub for networking, collaboration, and community building. This co-branded space featured a showcase of local Indigenous artisans, allowing delegates to engage directly with them and gain a greater understanding of Indigenous art and culture.
Conclusion: ITAC’s Impact at RVC 2025
As Indigenous tourism continues to grow in importance across Canada, ITAC’s presence at Rendez-vous Canada 2025 was a powerful statement of the sector’s strength and potential. Through impactful programming, strategic partnerships, and meaningful engagement, ITAC has solidified its role in shaping the future of authentic Indigenous tourism. The event not only celebrated Indigenous culture but also advanced Indigenous tourism businesses, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous communities are heard and respected on the global stage.
With continued efforts like these, Indigenous tourism in Canada is poised for even greater success, contributing to the economic growth of Indigenous communities and enriching the tourism industry as a whole.
Image Courtesy: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
