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August 14, 2025
As Hopi people, we live with one foot firmly planted in the ancient traditions of our ancestors and the other navigating the complexities of the modern world. We are farmers, artists, teachers, scientists and business owners—and like many Indigenous nations, we face economic challenges. That’s why tourism, when approached with respect and understanding, is not just welcomed—it is essential. The Hopi people have relied on art sales for hundreds of years to not only support their families but also supplement their W-2 income.
Visitors to the Hopi Nation do more than admire the mesas or purchase a handmade piece of pottery. They help sustain our economy in real, measurable ways. From lodging in our locally owned hotels and short-term rentals, to dining at family-run cafés and booking personalized tours, tourism helps our communities remain self-sufficient and strong. Visitors help maintain a traditional way of life that would otherwise be lost if our Hopi people had to leave the Hopi Nation to seek employment.
Supporting Local Hopi Businesses and Artists
When travelers buy directly from Hopi artisans—whether it’s a silver overlay ring, a traditional basket, or a carved Kachina doll—they are supporting a way of life that has existed for centuries. Hopi art is not mass-produced and all art produced on the Hopi Nation is authentic. They are cultural expressions, crafted by hand, rooted in deep spiritual meaning. All of our artists are vetted to ensure compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.
Artisans use that income to provide for their families, purchase supplies, and teach the next generation. Without this income, many of these small business owners cannot sustain their businesses. Tourism creates an economic bridge between cultural preservation and livelihood where our artists not only continue to sustain their lifestyles but also continue to prodice one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Staying Local: Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Many visitors choose to stay in Hopi-owned accommodations, whether it’s a family-operated lodge or a short-term rental within our villages. These stays are more than a place to rest—they are a direct contribution to our community. From the Taawaki Inn in Clarkdale to the Hopi Cultural Center in Second Mesa, tourism dollars help out economy. Moreover, short-term rentals on the Hopi Nation also help to sustain the traditional way of life, offering employment to locals and keeping dollars on the Hopi Nation.
When you book a night on the Hopi mesas, your money goes toward supporting local families, funding home improvements, and sustaining hospitality jobs. Unlike chain hotels in neighboring cities, these dollars stay in the community, circulate locally, and create long-term economic impact. So please consider staying at one of the Hopi owned properties and getting to know the locals. Fun fact: The Hopi people are well known for their hospitality and will always welcome you to their home.
Festivals that Bring Us Together
Two of the biggest annual events that shine a spotlight on our artists, culture, and community are the Art Festival on the Mesas and the Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival. These gatherings are more than celebrations—they are economic drivers.
- The Art Festival on the Mesas brings together artists from across the Hopi villages to showcase their work in a unified space. For many artisans, it’s one of the most profitable weekends of the year.
- The Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival, held in nearby Flagstaff, brings Hopi culture to a wider audience, drawing thousands of visitors who come to experience traditional music, food, and art. This exposure leads to increased interest in visiting the Hopi Nation itself, further supporting our economy.
These festivals also give our youth a platform to learn about entrepreneurship, cultural sharing, and creative expression. They are spaces of pride and possibility.
Moving Forward with Balance and Respect
Tourism must always be guided by respect—for our culture, our boundaries, and our sacred spaces. But when done right, it is a force for good. It provides Hopi people with jobs, supports small businesses, and allows us to preserve our cultural identity while participating in today’s economy. Please see visit DiscoverHopi.com to learn more about Hopi-guided tours along with places to stay when visiting.
We are proud to share our stories, our landscapes, and our traditions with those who come with open hearts and open minds. In return, we ask that visitors support our community not only with curiosity, but with intention—by buying local, staying local, and attending our festivals.
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by LaMon Begay
Written by LaMon Begay