ITAC’s Tara Saunders Strengthens Tourism’s Global Voice by Joining Destinations International’s Social Impact and Community Alignment Committees

In an exciting development for the tourism sector, Tara Saunders, the Director of Business Development at the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), has been appointed to two prestigious working committees within Destinations International for the year 2026. Saunders will play a significant role in shaping the future of the global tourism industry by joining both the Social Impact Committee and the Community Alignment Committee, two of the organization’s most influential groups.

This move highlights not only Saunders’ personal leadership in tourism development but also ITAC’s growing influence in promoting community-centered tourism practices on the international stage.

What Are the Key Committees Tara Saunders Will Be Joining?

Destinations International is a leading organization representing destination marketing and management professionals across North America and globally. Its committees consist of tourism experts from a wide range of backgrounds, including destination development, community engagement, and social impact. These committees provide vital guidance and set priorities for advancing the tourism industry.

Saunders has been selected to serve on two of these committees for 2026:

1. The Social Impact Committee:
   The Social Impact Committee leads initiatives aimed at creating inclusive and welcoming environments within the tourism industry. Its work focuses on strategic planning, program development, and ensuring that tourism benefits a wide range of communities, particularly marginalized and underrepresented groups. The committee’s goal is to foster a more socially responsible and sustainable tourism model that values diversity and inclusion.
2. The Community Alignment Committee:
   This committee’s main focus is on helping destination organizations build stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve. It works on community engagement strategies and destination development practices that prioritize local involvement, ensuring that tourism aligns with community values and needs. By addressing the needs of residents and local stakeholders, this committee aims to develop tourism initiatives that not only benefit visitors but also have long-lasting positive impacts on communities.

Where Will Saunders’ Role Have the Most Impact?

Saunders’ appointment to these influential committees signals a deeper commitment by ITAC to advocate for inclusive tourism practices and ensure that tourism development considers both the community’s needs and the environment. ITAC has long been a leader in promoting Indigenous tourism in Canada and internationally. This new role within Destinations International will allow Saunders to bring a wealth of experience in community-centered tourism and Indigenous perspectives to the global stage.

Through her work on the Social Impact and Community Alignment Committees, Saunders will help shape strategies that encourage the tourism industry to move beyond profit-driven objectives and instead prioritize social responsibility, equity, and local engagement. These efforts will be especially important as the world seeks to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic and reimagine tourism in a more sustainable and equitable light.

Why Are These Appointments Significant for ITAC?

The appointments of Tara Saunders to these committees underscore ITAC’s increasing influence within the broader tourism and destination development sectors. The association has made significant strides in advocating for Indigenous tourism in Canada, and these committee memberships give ITAC an important seat at the table where global tourism trends and priorities are set.

ITAC’s involvement in these committees is a clear indication that Indigenous perspectives are being increasingly integrated into the global tourism discourse, helping to shape policies and practices that are inclusive, respectful, and community-driven. As a result, Saunders’ appointments are not only a personal achievement but a victory for ITAC as an organization that continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous tourism on the world stage.

How Will Saunders Contribute to These Committees?

Tara Saunders’ extensive background in business development and Indigenous tourism will be a valuable asset to the Social Impact and Community Alignment Committees. She will contribute her knowledge of building tourism programs that are community-based, culturally sensitive, and beneficial to local economies.

In her new role, Saunders will likely focus on integrating best practices for community engagement into global tourism strategies, ensuring that tourism initiatives foster positive relationships with local communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. Her experience will also guide efforts to make the tourism industry more inclusive, ensuring that a diverse range of voices is heard in decision-making processes.

What Does This Appointment Mean for the Future of Tourism?

Tara Saunders’ appointments are a clear step forward in advancing sustainable and community-centered tourism development worldwide. As tourism continues to evolve, with increasing pressure to be more socially responsible and environmentally conscious, Saunders will be at the forefront of efforts to integrate these values into global tourism strategies.

The growing influence of ITAC in shaping global tourism practices ensures that Indigenous perspectives and priorities are included in the conversation. Through her work with the Social Impact and Community Alignment Committees, Saunders will help guide the future of tourism by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

Tara Saunders’ appointment to Destinations International’s Social Impact and Community Alignment Committees for 2026 is a landmark achievement, not only for her but also for ITAC and the broader tourism industry. As tourism organizations globally seek to rebuild and reimagine the sector post-pandemic, Saunders’ leadership will play a critical role in shaping tourism practices that are more inclusive, community-focused, and socially responsible.

These appointments reflect ITAC’s growing role in advocating for tourism that prioritizes the well-being of local communities, fosters inclusivity, and creates lasting social impact. With Saunders’ expertise and ITAC’s continued leadership, the future of tourism looks set to be more equitable and community-centered than ever before.

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