TULSA, OK – Cherokee Nation citizen Travis Owens has been named President of the Board of Administrators for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Affiliation (AIANTA). The nationwide group works to introduce, develop and maintain tourism efforts that honor Indigenous traditions and values. Owens has served in varied roles for AIANTA since 2015 earlier than his new appointment to President.
“Travis Owens has been a steadfast advocate for the preservation and promotion of Cherokee historical past and tradition for almost 20 years, and it comes as no shock that his skills and voice have been looked for this position,” mentioned Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We’re grateful for the very important work of AIANTA and extremely proud to see a Cherokee Nation citizen chosen to assist strengthen and develop Native tourism nationally.”
Owens started working for Cherokee Nation in 2006 and presently serves as Vice President of Cultural Tourism at Cherokee Nation Companies, managing the tribe’s sturdy tourism portfolio. Spanning 14 counties in northeast Oklahoma, these efforts embrace six museums, an interpretive website, welcome middle, analysis middle, artwork gallery and present store. He additionally performs an integral half within the Nation’s strategy to the restoration and preservation of historic websites, interpretive planning, cultural artwork, applications and occasions.
Owens has served varied community-focused organizations, together with Preservation Oklahoma, Fab Lab Tulsa and the Tulsa Youngsters’s Museum. He was just lately appointed to the OSU Hospitality and Tourism Administration Advisory Board.
“Being referred to as to serve in any group is an honor, however additionally it is a accountability to not be taken flippantly,” mentioned Owens. “Indigenous tourism is powered by ardour, and I’m grateful to have labored alongside a few of the most passionate people on the market who’ve led the best way in cultural tourism. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful AIANTA is in bringing individuals collectively, and I look ahead to celebrating our shared successes within the coming 12 months.”
Leveraging the ability of the $15.7 billion Native tourism trade, AIANTA serves as a unified voice to additional develop and elevate genuine Native locations. As President of the Board of Administrators, Owens will serve alongside 15 regional representatives who serve three-year phrases and work instantly with Sherry L. Rupert, AIANTA CEO.
“We’re extremely grateful for the information and experience that Travis will convey to this position,” mentioned Rupert. “He has served AIANTA faithfully for a few years and has labored diligently to advertise cultural heritage tourism throughout our Native Nations and communities for even longer. We all know he’ll improve our efforts and supply worth to the work our crew is doing each day.”
