Indigenous Tourism Association CEO Appointed to US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board

Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Tue January 28, 2025
AIANTA, Sherry L. Rupert, native american tourism, us tourism, people

Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of AIANTA and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. (Photo Credit: AIANTA)

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s (AIANTA) CEO, Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) will serve on the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) for a two-year term in the Department of Commerce. 

The appointment is her second term and is considered a positive step for Indigenous representation in the nation’s tourism industry. Members of the TTAB are advisors on tourism to the Secretary of Commerce, offering counsel on current and emerging issues in the industry. 

Rupert has over two decades of executive-level experience promoting Indigenous tourism. She is the leading voice for the $15.7-billion Indigenous hospitality sector in the US. 

“I’m honored to join the board of directors for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and to represent all Native Nations and communities in our national tourism story,” said Sherry L. Rupert. “The TTAB plays a key role in providing expert recommendations and industry insight to enhance the American travel experience and I look forward to ensuring Indigenous voices have a seat at the table.”

She served previously as President of AIANTA’s Board of Directors, during which she worked with Congress to pass the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act in 2016 and has previously served as the executive director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Your New Era with TrafalgarThursday, September 17, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Trafalgar’s new era is taking shape. Join us on September 17 to learn about "Your New Era" with...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Your New Era with TrafalgarThursday, September 17, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Trafalgar’s new era is taking shape. Join us on September 17 to learn about "Your New Era" with...