We at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) are deeply concerned and focused on the health and well-being of Tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians as COVID-19 (Coronavirus) strains our systems and ability to care for our most vulnerable citizens. As with all of you, this is our first priority and concern.
We are also concerned about what comes next. The hospitality and travel industry is the first economic causality of the spread of COVID-19. There will be significant immediate and long-term financial impact across the industry beginning with air travel: the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates $113 billion lost in worldwide airline revenues this year. Specific to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian owned hospitality related businesses (
total receipts from all AIANNH hospitality sector businesses in 2012 (last data available) equaled $7.681 billion) there will be lost revenue and jobs from larger gaming operations to family operated tour companies.
AIANTA is distributing this survey broadly to get a better understanding of the impact of the response/containment effort for the COVID-19 specific to Indian Country tourism. Your individual responses are confidential; we will be looking for collective data and concerns to ensure your voice is heard in the days, months and year to come as we collectively work towards supporting you and our Native communities.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this short survey (5-10 minutes to complete).
