AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS DESIGNATION PROGRAM
© 2019 Indigenous Tourism Association of BC. All Rights Reserved.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry.
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REVITALIZED PROGRAM FOR 2019
INDIGENOUS TOURISM BC REVITALIZES ITS AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS DESIGNATION PROGRAM
ROOTED IN CULTURE AND VALUES
WHAT IS AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS?
Authentic Indigenous is a marketing initiative by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) – a successful designation program that identifies strong cultural Indigenous tourism experiences as Authentic Indigenous. With this designation, ITBC meets the demands of travellers seeking unique, educational, eco-friendly and culturally appropriate experiences within Indigenous communities across BC.
BASED ON VISITORS' DESIRES
When booking an Authentic Indigenous experience, travellers will understand that they are contributing in a meaningful way with their travel choice by supporting the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous cultures and languages in British Columbia.
EASY IDENTIFICATION
For travellers to British Columbia, the Authentic Indigenous stamp will be associated with remarkable, Indigenous experiences.
BENEFITS FOR DESIGNATED STAKEHOLDERS
Designated Authentic Indigenous Stakeholders will receive boosted and responsive marketing support from ITBC and ITBC’s marketing partners through a series of annual initiatives.
■ Education of media and influencers on what Authentic Indigenous means. Increased emphasis on the importance of authenticity and cultural protection will be a part of the storytelling and a primary message to our audiences.
■ Content creation such as video, blog posts, media series such as Living Legends, and more.
■ Website and social media platform development.
■ Attendance at trade shows and production of associated trade show material.
■ Priority promotion at media market places.
■ Preference for trade and media familiarization (FAM) tours organized by ITBC and our partners
■ Access to Authentic Indigenous decal and logo. Authentic Indigenous experiences will receive marketing materials to promote the designation to their clients and visitors.
AUTHENTIC ABORIGINAL IS NOW
AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS.
Businesses that were previously designated as Authentic Aboriginal and have maintained the same experience will not need to re-apply. You now carry the Authentic Indigenous designation and have access to all of our extended services.
Please email Stakeholder and Marketing Coordinator Samantha Rullin to receive the updated marketing materials for the Authentic Indigenous program.
HOW TO BECOME DESIGNATED AS AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS
The Authentic Indigenous program online application will be self-completed and voluntary. The ITBC Stakeholder & Marketing Coordinator will then confirm that:
The self-assessment survey has been completed and meets requirements.
PART ONE.
PART TWO.
All supporting documents, referrals, and letters of declaration are valid.
PART THREE.
All recurring negative visitor and travel trade comments have been resolved.
PROGRAM DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS
To receive member benefits of this program, Stakeholders must meet all designation criteria.
Indigenous heritage must be proven through appropriate documentation.
INDIGENOUS OWNED AND OPERATED.
INCLUDE INDIGENOUS CULTURAL CONTENT.
Cultural activities define the business as an Indigenous cultural tourism experience. Without the cultural elements it is ‘just’ a tourism business.
TOURISM-RELATED.
At least 60% of its business coming from visitors is considered a tourism business.
MARKET-READY.
Market-ready criteria will be outlined when applying for the designation.
HIGH STANDARD OF QUALITY.
Criteria will be outlined when applying for the designation.
NEED APPLICATION SUPPORT
OR HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact Samantha Rullin, Indigenous Tourism BC Stakeholder & Marketing Coordinator - 604.921.1070 Ext 231 or Samantha@IndigenousBC.com