In July of 1992, the Native American Economic Coalition convened a meeting to identify and discuss the myriad of tourism issues on American Indian reservation lands. As a result of this effort, the Arizona Native American Tourism Cluster was formed. The Cluster was incorporated as the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) in 1994. In 1996, the organization was granted a 501 (c) non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service.

The general affairs, management and leadership of the organization are managed by the Board of Directors who is elected by AAITA’s general membership. Each Board of Director must be a general member in good standing. It is the general responsibility of the Board of Directors to organize, call and conduct the designated meetings for the organization’s membership; develop, prepare and recommend agenda items for the organization’s membership, provide leadership and expertise to address tourism issues that are pertinent to the organization’s membership; and ensure that the organization is striving to achieve its corporate mission.

AAITA sets goals that help solidify its position as a resource for assistance and information, as well as strives to be the catalyst for initiating sustainable tourism development for Arizona Tribes and Nations.

Our goal is to foster and create opportunities for businesses and organizations through the facilitation of synergetic networking efforts to meet our mission and goals of our membership.

“To promote the development of Indian tourism in Arizona while respecting the cultural integrity of the tribes.”

The AAITA organization is organized to be operated as a nonprofit corporation solely and exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes; specifically:

To promote environmentally acceptable, culturally appropriate, and economically sustainable tourism programs as defined by the local level;

To provide a visionary and leadership role for American Indian community in the development and management of tourism programs;

To develop and provide educational materials and programs to visitors and Indian communities;

To assist tribes and communities in the formulation of tourism policies;

To sponsor, facilitate, and offer support to other organizations that promote linkage among tribes, tourism attractions, local communities and agencies;

To promote quality hospitality and visitor resources while prioritizing preservation and enhancement of American Indian culture for future generations;

To seek funding resources, develop marketing strategies, and help communities to use tourism as a tool to revitalize culture, improve local quality of life and provide empowerment opportunities to the Indian communities.

Arizona American Indian Tourism Association
Box 268
3370 North Hayden Road, #123
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Telephone #602-254-1952
Contact: Robin Fohrenkam, AAITA President