Tourism is an emerging and transformative trend in tribal economic development, offering new avenues to diversify revenues and enhance the cultural significance of Indian gaming. This dynamic 50-minute panel will feature William Lowe, Director of Muskogee Tourism; Donovan Hanely, Director of Navajo Nation Tourism; and Apache Danforth, Founder of Good Words Consulting and Good Words Travel. Together, they will discuss how integrating tourism strategies with gaming operations can pave the way for sustainable growth, increased patron engagement, and the preservation of tribal sovereignty. The panel aims to present the perspective of individual entrepreneurs and the expertise of seasoned tourism professionals to explore ways to integrate and align with tribal gaming operations

Session Objectives:

Understand Emerging Tourism Trends: Attendees will explore how trends such as cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and experiential travel are reshaping consumer expectations and creating opportunities for tribal casinos to expand their reach.
Learn Integration Strategies: Panelists will share actionable strategies for aligning tourism and gaming operations to attract broader demographics, foster loyalty, and generate year-round revenue.
Discover Case Studies and Insights: Drawing from their diverse experiences, panelists will highlight real-world examples of successful tourism initiatives, showcasing partnerships between tribal gaming and tourism entities that drive economic and cultural benefits.