SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2025 - A new initiative is spotlighting Indigenous culture and sustainability
UN Tourism and CAF – Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean have jointly launched the Indigenous Tourism Challenge – Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to celebrate Indigenous heritage through sustainable and innovative tourism projects.
Promoting authentic cultural experiences
Indigenous tourism offers travelers the chance to engage with native traditions, customs, and ancestral knowledge, allowing communities to revitalize and preserve their culture. It not only encourages intercultural exchange but also fosters the sustainable development and economic autonomy of Indigenous communities.
Focusing on sustainability and empowerment
The challenge places special emphasis on four core themes:
- Economic empowerment: Supporting projects that boost the financial independence of Indigenous communities and help them manage tourism income directly.
- Cultural preservation: Prioritizing initiatives that protect Indigenous languages, rituals, and traditions.
- Gastronomy promotion: Elevating regional culinary practices by involving local producers and markets.
- Community innovation: Encouraging disruptive ideas that respect traditional ways of life while enhancing the value of Indigenous tourism.
Support, visibility, and funding for winners
Finalists will benefit from expert mentoring, access to international tourism networks, and global exposure. The winning project will receive a USD 10,000 investment and tailored support to bring their idea to life.
Leaders emphasize the transformative power of tourism
Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, stated:
“The indigenous tourism that UN Tourism has been promoting for a decade is not only a way to promote the artistic and culinary expressions or knowledge of Indigenous peoples; it is also a tool to protect the traditions and ancestral wisdom that characterize the region. We encourage young people to come forward and lead the way for sustainable development in communities. Because the future of tourism is theirs, it is in our hands to ensure that the most human of economic sectors shines and flourishes.”
Oscar Rueda García, CAF’s Director of Tourism, added:
“This is an invitation to undertake experiential tourism projects that make it possible to learn from the culture and knowledge of our ‘elder brothers’. This living culture is a treasure of Latin America and the Caribbean given that we have more than 800 Indigenous peoples and their population is 10% of the region. The application period is open until 15 June and the presentation of the winner will be made on 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.”
Get involved
UN Tourism and CAF are calling on entrepreneurs, tour operators, community associations, and Indigenous tourism developers to submit their proposals and contribute to strengthening the sector across the region.