Sherry Rupert is a leading voice advocating for travel and tourism as an economic driver in tribal nations
Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Travel Association for the 2022-24 term. Established in 1941, U.S. Travel Association is the national, nonprofit organization representing all components of the travel industry.
“I’m thrilled to join the board of directors for the esteemed U.S. Travel Association,” said Rupert. “So much of our nation’s tourism story begins with our Indigenous people and their vibrant cultures, languages and stories. I look forward to working with U.S. Travel to help elevate these voices as a part of our national tourism story.”
As CEO of the only national association dedicated to Indigenous tourism, Rupert is the leading voice advocating for travel and tourism as an economic driver in tribal nations. Among her responsibilities, Sherry curates a robust educational program for tribes and Indigenous-owned hospitality enterprises around the country. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, she served as President of AIANTA’s Board of Directors, when she was instrumental in working with Congress to pass the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act.
“We warmly welcome Sherry Rupert and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association to the U.S. Travel board,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Sherry’s extensive leadership as an advocate and tourism professional for Native American communities will be critically important to building a full and even recovery of our nation’s travel and tourism industry.”
U.S. Travel’s Board of Directors is the governing body of the U.S. Travel Association. The Board guides the organization’s direction, approves its budget, addresses industry-wide issues and serves as a liaison and voice for all members.
Main photo: KaLisa Veer via Unsplash
