The Tourism Cares Global Meaningful Travel Summit, in partnership with Visit Panama, aims to promote sustainability in tourism and community empowerment in different regions of Panama from June 1-6.
CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS, USA – Tourism Cares, a leading non-profit organization working to advance sustainability in the tourism industry, in partnership with Visit Panama, is launching the Global Meaningful Travel Summit from June 1 to 6 in different regions of the country, including Panama City, the Pacific Coast region, El Valle de Anton and the Achote region of Colon. As part of the program, over 40 travel and tourism executives and leaders, including tour operators, advisors, media and industry associations, will convene to explore the intersection of community, connection and conservation in the travel and tourism industry.
With a focus on empowering communities through tourism, the Meaningful Travel Summit with Panama aims to inspire collaborative action among travel industry professionals by showcasing local Panamanian change-makers who are creating positive change through tourism. Through hands-on workshops, immersive tours and experiences, and panel discussions, summit participants will learn how different travel industry segments can contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Panama and beyond. The objectives of this year’s Global Summit include:
Empowering local communities through tourism Encouraging cultural exchange Protecting natural, cultural and agricultural resources Promoting community cooperation Facilitating joint action between the travel industry and local communities
Through these program areas, participants return home with lessons learned and a commitment to how they can make positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others in the workplace, at home and in the communities they serve.
“Tourism Cares’ Global Meaningful Travel Summit is a unique industry program that brings together travel professionals from all disciplines to share insights and collaborate on solutions that protect the future of our industry and the communities we serve,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. “Panama has done an incredible job embracing a sustainable tourism model that puts local people and environmental assets at the center of its future growth. We look forward to inspiring these local change-makers through the Summit and inspiring participants to create positive change within their own organizations.”
Fernando Fondevila, CEO of the Panama Tourism Board, echoed Takehara’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism with positive socio-economic and environmental outcomes: “Panama is a country rich in cultural heritage, biodiversity and natural beauty. We believe tourism can be a force for good by uplifting communities and protecting resources. By hosting the Global Meaningful Travel Summit in collaboration with Tourism Cares, we hope to forge new partnerships with the industry and showcase how community-based tourism can have a positive impact on indigenous communities.”
As part of its commitment to Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Program, Visit Panama launched the Meaningful Travel Map, an interactive tool for the travel industry that showcases vetted sustainable, community-led businesses, products, services, accommodations, and tours. Panama’s Meaningful Travel Map includes 20 local organizations across the country that are committed to promoting cultural heritage, environmental protection, indigenous communities, and regenerative practices. To further build connections with the industry and these local influential partners, summit participants will engage through immersive tours and experiences with some of the map’s influential partners, including Trapiche Tio Evello, Organización Ecoturística Amigos de San Lorenzo Los Rapaces, Movimiento Cultural Identidad, and Biomuseo.
“The industry needs to teach travelers how to travel differently by incorporating more sustainable options into their offerings so they can become better stewards of their destinations,” said John Sutherland, senior director of community impact at Tourism Cares. “We’re excited to launch Panama’s Meaningful Travel Map to make it easier for industry professionals to find vetted organizations and experiences that are already making a positive impact in the local community. Not only will this program create more economic opportunities for local Panamanians, it will also create a better experience for travelers.”
Tourism Cares has invested $18,000 in grants to three Panamanian organizations through the Tourism Cares Impact Travel Fund to further support impact-focused organizations in Panama with capacity building, education initiatives and infrastructure. Supported by the Tak Litzau Innovative Philanthropy (TRIP) Foundation, recipients include Biomuseo (Biodiversity Museum), Fundación Los Naturalists (Naturalists Foundation) and Fundación Panameña de Turismo Sostenible (Panamanian Sustainable Tourism Foundation/APTSO). The grant program helps grantees scale their social and environmental impact and increase market responsiveness in the tourism sector.
The Tourism Cares Global Meaningful Travel Summit with Panama is made possible with support from the program’s host sponsors: Visit Panama, Accor, American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Bob Whitley Memorial Fund, Delta Air Lines, Eric Friedheim Foundation, MMGY Global, National Tour Association (NTA), Simpleview, TRIP Foundation, and Trip Mate.
Vicky is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TravelDailyNews Media Network and is responsible for the day to day operations and financial direction. Vicky holds a BA in Tourism Business Management from the Athens Technical University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of academic and industrial experience in the travel industry and has written/edited numerous articles for various tourism magazines.
