The LATA Foundation’s 2026 programme supports community-led initiatives across Latin America, demonstrating how tourism can protect biodiversity, strengthen cultural heritage and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Our projects are rooted in local partnerships and aim to ensure that tourism acts as a force for positive impact.
Our 2026 projects
Protecting manta rays through regenerative tourism
Galápagos, Ecuador
On Isabela Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, one of the region’s most visited marine sites lies close to a recently discovered aggregation of endangered oceanic manta rays.
As land-based tourism grows, increasing boat traffic creates greater risks of wildlife disturbance and boat strikes. In partnership with the Galapagos Conservation Trust and Dr Diana Pazmiño of Universidad San Francisco de Quito, the LATA Foundation is supporting a pilot initiative to develop science-based, community-informed best-practice guidance for tourism around manta ray aggregation sites.
Working with local authorities and the Isabela community, the project aims to reduce risks to marine megafauna while strengthening sustainable livelihoods.
Practical guidance endorsed by the Galápagos National Park Directorate, alongside training for boat crews and targeted outreach campaigns, will support a wider transition towards regenerative tourism, ensuring that tourism actively contributes to ecosystem health.
Find out more about the project
Strengthening green tourism in protected areas
Azuero Peninsula, Panama
Cerro Hoya National Park and La Marinera Beach are ecologically rich landscapes in Panama’s Azuero Peninsula that are attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
Without careful management, these fragile environments face growing pressure. Pro Eco Azuero is delivering expert-led workshops combining conservation theory with practical field training for community leaders, young people, guides and entrepreneurs.
Participants are developing stronger guiding standards, first aid knowledge, wildlife observation skills and responsible tourism practices.
The LATA Foundation is supporting this project because of Pro Eco Azuero’s established local partnerships and commitment to long-term stewardship. By building capacity within the community, the project aims to ensure that tourism growth protects biodiversity while creating environmentally aligned income opportunities.
Find out more about the project
Empowering women through sustainable tourism
Belize
In Bermudian Landing, the Community Baboon Sanctuary protects the endangered black howler monkey, locally known as “baboons”. Conservation in the area has been led by the community for decades, with the CBS Women’s Conservation Group representing eight villages.
With support from the LATA Foundation, the group is creating an immersive Creole Folklore Nature Trail within the sanctuary.
Artisan-crafted folklore sculptures, interpretive signage and stories narrated by village elders will bring Belize’s rich Creole heritage to life. The initiative will help preserve oral traditions, generate income for women, young people and local artisans, and enhance the visitor experience at this established ecotourism site.
The project also builds on workshops supported by the LATA Foundation in 2025, which provided training for local guides and hospitality hosts.
Find out more about the project
Pachar Pueblo Mural Project
Peru
Close to Ollantaytambo in Peru’s Sacred Valley, the community of Pachar has transformed itself into an open-air gallery.
Launched in 2023 by Turismo Cuida, the Pachar Pueblo Mural project saw 34 homes and a church painted with murals depicting ancestral agriculture, Andean cosmovision and cultural resilience.
In 2026, Phase II is expanding this transformation. Twenty new murals will be co-created by local artists, women’s associations and youth groups, alongside training in visitor management and guiding.
New community tourism routes will connect mural storytelling with ceramics, weaving and gastronomy workshops.
With a strong focus on socio-economic inclusion, particularly for women and young people, the project is strengthening local identity while developing sustainable, community-owned tourism products in the Sacred Valley.
Find out more about the project
LATA Foundation fundraising
Fundraising events bring the LATA community together while generating vital support for community-led projects across Latin America.
LATA Travel Leaders Lunch
The LATA Travel Leaders Lunch brought members of the LATA community together for an afternoon of networking, discussion and fundraising.
Guests heard from Lisa Edgar, whose presentation, “Why the New Over-50s Traveller Demands a Smarter Strategy”, explored the growing influence of the over-50s travel market.
Guests also enjoyed a wine pairing and tasting menu at Mareida, a Chilean fine dining restaurant in London, showcasing Chile’s wines and culinary heritage.
The event’s raffle raised an additional £880 for the LATA Foundation, helping to support our community-led projects across Latin America.
LATA Expo
LATA Expo is an important opportunity for the Foundation to connect with members, supporters and partners across the Latin American travel industry.
The LATA Foundation has a strong presence at the event, sharing updates from our funded projects and highlighting the tangible impact of our work.
Fundraising through raffle prizes and auctions plays an important role in generating the support that enables our grassroots partners to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen local livelihoods.
Follow the LATA Foundation
The LATA Foundation shares the latest project updates, fundraising news and industry partnerships on LinkedIn.
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Get involved
Our projects are made possible by the generosity and engagement of the LATA network.
We welcome people who would like to support the Foundation through fundraising, volunteering, events or partnerships. Fundraising and event volunteers can help us organise activities in their workplaces or communities and raise funds for projects across Latin America.
Volunteering with the LATA Foundation can also provide valuable experience and opportunities to build lasting professional relationships within the Foundation, LATA and the wider Latin American travel community.
Deliver your impact with the LATA Foundation
The LATA Foundation is the Foundation for the LATA community, helping organisations deliver meaningful impact across Latin America.
We work with organisations to create tailored approaches that align with their values and objectives. By supporting grassroots projects, we help build local capacity and create positive change through tourism.
Choosing the LATA Foundation as your CSR partner enables your organisation, teams and clients to contribute to community-led projects where tourism can make a tangible difference.
Get in touch to discuss how we could work together.