INDIGENOUS TOURISM BC ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH FAIRMONT VANCOUVER AIRPORT AND FAIRMONT WATERFRONT
–Partnerships advance the growth of Indigenous tourism, cultural representation, and economic opportunities across British Columbia–
Coast Salish Territories – March 10. 2026 – Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is pleased to announce collaborative marketing partnerships with Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Fairmont Waterfront, to increase our position as a leader at the local, provincial and national level with industry organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to reconciliation and allyship. These partnerships are agreements to lead together to create opportunities for Indigenous success in the tourism industry.
Grounded in ITBC’s values of respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building, these long-term collaborations are designed to increase Indigenous visibility, strengthen cultural representation, and create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and businesses. Through coordinated marketing, storytelling, and shared platforms, ITBC and its Fairmont partners will work together to connect travellers with Indigenous-led experiences and deepen understanding of the lands and cultures that define British Columbia.
“Our collaborations mark a meaningful step forward in strengthening relationships and increasing the visibility and identity of Indigenous cultures across British Columbia’s visitor economy,” said Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Indigenous Tourism BC. “Together with the support of partners like Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Fairmont Waterfront, we are building a future where travellers do not just see British Columbia, but understand it through an Indigenous lens. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to reconciliation through tourism by visitors who are seeking deeper experiences.”
Fairmont Vancouver Airport: Supporting a Gateway to Indigenous Cultures and Tourism Experiences Across British Columbia
Located at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on the traditional territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation, Fairmont Vancouver Airport serves as a first point of welcome for many visitors arriving in the province. Aligned with ITBC’s existing partnership with YVR, this collaboration supports a coordinated approach to sharing Indigenous knowledge and elevating Indigenous-led tourism experiences across British Columbia.
Through the partnership, Fairmont Vancouver Airport will support Indigenous tourism through a range of in-kind initiatives, including Indigenous experience promotion for guests and media, cultural programming, opportunities for Indigenous artists and culinary storytelling within the hotel, and collaboration on media hosting that highlights Indigenous-led tourism and cultural landscapes throughout the province.
“Partnering with Indigenous Tourism BC allows us to share British Columbia’s story with our guests in a way that is authentic, respectful, and led by Indigenous voices”, said Rudolf Heider, General Manager, Fairmont Vancouver Airport. “As an international gateway hotel, we have a unique opportunity to help connect travellers to meaningful Indigenous experiences, perspectives, and businesses. For us, this partnership is about more than tourism; it’s about relationships, learning, and creating space for cultural understanding at the very start of a guest’s journey in Canada.”
Fairmont Waterfront: Strengthening Indigenous Cultural Representation in Vancouver
Situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Fairmont Waterfront is committed to amplifying Indigenous cultures and perspectives within Vancouver’s hospitality landscape.
Through its collaboration with ITBC, Fairmont Waterfront will continue to support initiatives that celebrate Indigenous cultures, integrate Indigenous perspectives into guest experiences, and create opportunities for shared cultural programming within the hotel. This commitment is reflected throughout the property, including a land acknowledgement now visible on all in-room guest screens and in meeting spaces, reinforcing ongoing recognition of place and presence. ITBC and Fairmont Waterfront will also continue to host media together, offering journalists and partners first-hand exposure to Indigenous tourism, dining, and cultural expression, helping expand awareness and generate long-term cultural and economic benefits for Indigenous communities.
“We’re incredibly proud to formalize our partnership with Indigenous Tourism B.C.,” said Randall Williams, General Manager, Fairmont Waterfront. “This agreement is grounded in respect, learning, and a genuine desire to create positive impact. Together, we look forward to advancing Indigenous cultural representation through collaborative programming, community partnerships and meaningful storytelling.”
Working Together Toward Reconciliation Through Tourism
These new agreements reflect a shared belief that tourism can be a powerful platform for reconciliation. By amplifying Indigenous voices and creating authentic opportunities for cross-cultural engagement, ITBC and its Fairmont partners are working together to build a future in which Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and communities thrive across the visitor economy in British Columbia.
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About Indigenous Tourism BC
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities, and cooperative marketing programs, ITBC is a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in BC operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education, and government organizations to help BC’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promote them to visitors and residents. https://www.indigenousbc.com/.
About Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Ranked #2 Airport Hotel in North America and #5 in the world by SkyTrax, the hotel is located 90 steps from the US Departures Level of the Vancouver International Airport. Triple-paned glass provides the ultimate in soundproofing with views that overlook the runway and the North Shore Mountains. Rest and rejuvenation are guaranteed with an immersive collection of in-room wellness experiences, Health Club and Pool. The restaurant and bar celebrate the flavours of the Pacific Northwest with dishes that highlight sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
About Fairmont Waterfront
Experience pure coastal luxury and West Coast wellness at Fairmont Waterfront, where breathtaking harbour and mountain views meet a seamless blend of urban sophistication and natural wonder. Centrally located in downtown Vancouver, steps from Canada Place, Gastown, and the Stanley Park Seawall, the hotel offers an authentic gateway to a city surrounded by wilderness. Discover the rooftop garden, one of Vancouver’s first green roofs, and its honeybee apiary, with ingredients featured in ARC Restaurant + Bar’s Province to Plate menu. Recharge with wellness activities like poolside meditation, sound bathing, and polar plunges, or relax by the heated rooftop pool. Consistently ranked among Vancouver’s top luxury hotels, Fairmont Waterfront celebrates the unique harmony of city life and nature that defines Vancouver.