Who we are

The LATA Foundation was founded in 2007 when LATA (Latin American Travel Association) brought together a group of competing tour operators and hoteliers to give back to the region that they love.  Since the Foundation started, over £600,000 has been donated to more than 65 projects across Latin America and over 75 volunteers have dedicated their time to achieving the Foundation’s mission.

Up until 2025, the Foundation has been entirely volunteer led. Many of our volunteers are acknowledged specialists in Latin America with a background in the travel industry. Without our volunteer’s incredible dedication, our work would not be possible. Now with the first paid member of staff serving as Fundraising and Volunteer Manager, the Foundation aims to support even more projects across the continent.

The Foundation is closely aligned with LATA, a powerful community committed to promoting Latin America as a tourist destination and positioning it as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Through the Foundation’s partnership with LATA, we can harness the collective strength of the community to drive meaningful, lasting change, and together, we can make an even greater impact in Latin America.

Our Team

Fundraising and Volunteer Manager

Rachel Nicoll is the Fundraising and Volunteer Manager at the LATA Foundation and is currently on maternity leave. Rachel has a background in both the Latin America travel industry and the non-profit sector. She previously worked in Sales and Product at Cox & Kings, Rainbow Tours and cazenove+loyd. Prior to joining the LATA Foundation, she worked for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), an international philanthropy organisation managing a global network of charitable partners. Her combined experience of travel, philanthropy and passion for the region uniquely positions her to help drive the Foundation’s mission forward.

Abbi Gutierrez joins the LATA Foundation as Fundraising and Volunteer Manager (maternity cover). She brings experience from the voluntary sector and international charities, most recently managing projects and fundraising at Tree Aid. Abbi has a strong interest in using tourism as a force for positive impact and is keen to work closely with trustees and volunteers to strengthen the Foundation’s fundraising, events and project delivery across Latin America. She speaks Spanish and Portuguese.

Our trustees

Megan Parkinson (Chair) is European Hub and Training Manager at The Long Run. She was previously the Head of Sustainability and Impact at LATA, bringing over 17 years of experience in the Latin American travel industry. Megan has been volunteering for the LATA Foundation since 2007, she led the Events and Fundraising team for six years and has been a trustee since 2019.

Nicola Gude (Finance) has worked in the Latin American travel industry since 2007 and now works at Senderos UK, representing wildlife lodges and boutique hotels in South America and Costa Rica. She has been involved with the LATA Foundation since 2011 and became a Trustee in 2016. She currently serves as the Foundation’s Finance Trustee..

Carmel Hendry is the Head of Product at Explore Worldwide, a leading UK adventure travel company specialising in small group itineraries. With over 10 years of experience in tour operations, she has travelled extensively across Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2023, Carmel was appointed Vice Chair of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA), where she plays a key role in promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.

Dean Smith has over 27 years’ experience in the travel industry, primarily in senior sales and service roles across leisure and corporate travel, alongside 15 years working in the charity sector supporting projects around the world, with a particular interest in empowering entrepreneurs. LATA Trustee since April 2026.

Jude Berry joined the LATA Foundation Projects Team in 2011 and became Chair of the trustees in 2019, a role she held until September 2026. She has extensive experience in Latin American travel and now works with Kite Travel Representation. Jude continues to serve as a Trustee and has a strong interest in sustainable tourism and grassroots projects.

Kate McWilliams is Deputy Managing Director of LOTUS, a leading travel PR and representation agency. She launched LOTUS LATAM in 2017 and has extensive experience in tourism PR, media and travel trade relations across Latin America and Spanish-speaking markets. Kate represents a number of travel clients, including LATA, the Guyana Tourism Authority and Buenos Aires.

Colin Stewart is a seasoned aviation professional with over 20 years of experience in the airline industry. As the UK and Ireland Director for Air Europa, Spain’s largest privately owned airline, Colin successfully launched the carrier into the competitive UK market in 2009, achieving consistent double-digit growth year on year. Colin joined the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) in 2017 and served as chairman until 2023.

Lyn Hughes is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Wanderlust, with a long-standing passion for Latin America and responsible travel. She has served on the LATA committee since 2005 and became a Trustee of the LATA Foundation in 2019. Lyn is passionate about travel as a force for good, supporting local communities and wildlife.

Note: The board consists of a maximum of twelve Trustees up to half of whom may be appointed by the Committee of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) from its ranks.