In mid-September, the Tri-Nations Cross-Cultural Youth Exchange of Indigenous youth, leaders, and tourism representatives from Australia, New Zealand and Canada, gathered underneath the cathedral-like ceiling of the Bill Reid Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver in a celebration of Indigenous identity and to unveil new regenerative tourism trails from the three participating countries.
Sponsored by Tourism New Zealand and Native Nations, in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC, the 2024 Tri-Nations Indigenous & Regenerative Tourism Trade & Media event marked the launch of Indigenous and Regenerative Tourism Trails in a global network of three Indigenous Tourism Marketing Collectives across the participating countries.
The tri-nations tourism exchange and trails’ development is the work of many, but its primary visionary is Native Nations founder, Nadine ToeToe, Director of Kohutapu Lodge and a passionate and energetic Māori woman based in New Zealand.
Native Nations is dedicated to advancing cross-cultural understanding and sustainable tourism in New Zealand and beyond. “Culture is our foundation and our medicine,” says ToeToe. “It feeds our souls.”
The long and varied list of participating tourism operators in the three countries reflects a wide variety of adventure, cultural and culinary providers, all of which are 100% Indigenous owned and operated.
In New Zealand, wellness, culinary and ecotour itineraries are focused on the north island. Options include oyster tours in the Bay of Plenty, visiting the unforgettable Waitomo glowworm caves, soaking in the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and meaningful stays at ToeToe’s own Kohutapu Lodge.
The Australian itinerary features tours located in north and central Queensland. Highlighting sacred cultural and aboriginal experiences, travellers can participate in hands-on workshops exploring Warama culture, visit Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, and enjoy guided tours at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.
In British Columbia, the 11-day Indigenous Tourism Trail loops from Vancouver and the Sea to Sky coast to Whistler, Lillooet, the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island, enjoying tours and experiences by Takaya and Talasay Tours, Moccasin Trails, Nk’Imp Culture Centre and stays at Tofino’s Tin Wis Best Western, among many others.
During the course of the evening, the transformative stories, performances and presentations showcased a diverse array of Indigenous tourism experiences, raising awareness and leading to the potential for greater economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
The Native Nations Indigenous Tourism Trails will be finalized in October 2024. The itineraries are intended to highlight the inclusive tourism landscape that honours Indigenous stories and heritage, paving the way for future leaders. The trails and experiences will be bookable by travel agent professionals as a series of unforgettable and authentic tourism experiences.
Native Nations is also partnering with The Impact Producers, a New Zealand-based multi-media production and communications firm, to launch a Global Impact media campaign in October 2024, coinciding with the debut of the regenerative Native Nations Indigenous Tourism Trails.
ToeToe hopes that travellers will be enthused by the new Indigenous trails and travel itineraries and invites everyone to “jump on board the canoe” and follow in the footsteps of Indigenous youth and elders on these transformative trips.
