Overview

The Island Tourism Association (ITA) is currently the only global collaborative that represents and advocates for the safe promotion and protection of island tourism destinations. ITA is a non-profit grassroots organization born out of our passion for and connection to island destinations and the tourism industry. Inspired by that passion, we are communicating with and bringing together stakeholders from both public and private sectors alongside host communities, to network, partner and seek out the best opportunities and avenues that safely promote tourism to island destinations. We engage in and promote tourism which is responsible to the needs, concerns and culture of indigenous people and host communities. We also want to ensure environmental biodiversity and sustainability in order to protect and safeguard island nations for present and future generations. We aim to provide support and responsiveness to host communities that will allow us to inform and empower them to be willing and capable partners in the global push towards ecotourism. This might include influencing their local legislative processes to reflect their wish for to protect the ecosystem and develop and implement sustainable tourism programs. Tourism is known for its capacity to foster greater interaction among people and this brings us the opportunity to come together to fulfill our social responsibilities. At ITA, we seek to live this philosophy by providing a platform which promotes greater understanding, encourages cooperation and highlights the effects of tourism on the environment and economy of islands the world over. We will be an advocate for taking action where it is needed. With all of today’s challenges it is crucial we take advantage of a captive audience in order to educate and subsequently empower visitors and host communities about their ability to play a role in helping to ensure protection of the environment, culture and improve local economies.