The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a new $2.4 million funding opportunity to help Tribal Nations strengthen their tourism industries and expand economic opportunities through cultural and heritage tourism.

Administered by the Office of Indian Economic Development, the Tribal Tourism Grant Program will award grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 to 10 tribes or tribal organizations. The funding is intended to help tribal destinations increase visibility, attract more visitors, and enhance existing tourism experiences.

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said tribal tourism provides a unique opportunity to celebrate Native cultures while creating lasting economic benefits.

"Tribal tourism offers a powerful opportunity for tribal nations to share their histories, cultures, and traditions while creating jobs and generating sustainable economic growth in their communities," Kirkland said.

Supporting Local Economies Through Tourism

Tourism has become an increasingly important economic driver for many Tribal Nations. Visitors travel to tribal destinations to experience Indigenous history, cultural events, museums, outdoor recreation, arts, and traditional experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

Federal officials say the new grants are designed to help tribes strengthen their position as tourism destinations while supporting locally driven economic development.

Funding may be used to improve marketing efforts, increase visitor engagement, enhance tourism operations, and expand opportunities that encourage travelers to visit tribal communities.

Building on the NATIVE Act

The Tribal Tourism Grant Program supports implementation of the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, commonly known as the NATIVE Act.

Enacted by Congress in 2018, the law encourages collaboration between federal agencies and Tribal Nations to promote Native tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and improve visitor experiences throughout Indian Country.

The program recognizes that tourism can create long-term benefits beyond visitor spending by supporting small businesses, preserving cultural resources, creating jobs, and generating new opportunities for future generations.

Applications Now Open

The Office of Indian Economic Development is currently accepting applications from eligible tribes and tribal organizations.

The Department of the Interior expects to award grants to 10 recipients during this funding cycle.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 7, 2026.

Additional information, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available through the Office of Indian Economic Development and Grants.gov.

Why It Matters

Across Indian Country, tourism continues to be a valuable tool for economic development while allowing Tribal Nations to tell their own stories and share their cultures on their own terms.

Programs like the Tribal Tourism Grant Program help tribes build stronger local economies while supporting cultural preservation, job creation, and community investment. By expanding tourism opportunities, tribal communities can continue welcoming visitors while maintaining control over how their history, traditions, and natural resources are presented.