Aboriginal tourism is increasingly arouse international interest

In a context of a tariff war with the United States, the international interest in Aboriginal tourism in Ontario, especially in the north of the province, continues to grow. The growing interest of European tourists contributes rather well to this vitality, according to one of the players in the sector.

Cindy Crowe owns the niibing cottage Tribal Tours. The company is located about half an hour southwest of Thunder Bay, Neebing, Ontario.

She claims that Niibing Tribal Tours has received reservations from all over North America and Europe this year.

I have received a gentleman twice from the United Kingdom and he returns. I received a young woman from Spain and she came backshe explains.

Ms. Crowe adds that she also accepted reservations for tourists from the Philippines, France and Germany.

First nation of Red Rockshe says that interest in authentic indigenous experiences is up.

It enthuses people.

His company offers several programs allowing visitors to immerse themselves in indigenous traditions.

An interest that grows

According to the latest report Conference Board From Canada, Aboriginal tourism operators across Canada generated around $ 3.7 billion in revenues in 2023, which is equivalent to a direct 1.6 billion dollars to Canadian GDP.

Local non -Aboriginal tourism organizations take note of this increased interest in Aboriginal tourism and seek ways to associate with regional companies.

Ms. Crowe explains that in recent months, she has contacted local cruise ships to allow passengers to participate in the pensions she organizes in her cottage.

She also had discussions with Tourisme Thunder Bay.

The interest of tourists for indigenous programs has continued to grow in recent years in northwest Ontario.

In 2020, the Kay-Nah-Chi-Nung Historical Center in Stratton, Ontario, which belongs to the First Nation of Rainy River, won the Aboriginal Tourism Prize during the Ontario Excellence Prix in 2020 tourism.

“Word-to-watch”

Not all Aboriginal tourism programs have experienced substantial growth in their non -Aboriginal customers.

Some have rather developed their activity in an organic way, thanks to word of mouth.

We call it night butterflies and telegraphsexplains Jeordie Pierre, owner of the School of Indigenous Learning (Aboriginal learning school) in Neebing.

In general, you have to be aware, because we don’t really advertisehe underlines.

Despite the lack of advertising, Mr. Pierre estimates that 5,000 people have attended school over the past eight years.

Most of its customers are young Aboriginal people looking for a space to discover their culture and their traditional values.

Mr. Pierre claims to have aroused the interest of certain non -Aboriginal tourists since the opening of his business, but he hopes to see more.

With information from Liam Baker