OGAYA Travel, a regenerative travel operator in Panama, proudly announces a new partnership with the Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO). This collaboration focuses on supporting rural and indigenous communities through initiatives aimed at fostering environmental conservation and community empowerment, while enhancing the transformational, high-end travel experience for OGAYA’s guests.
OGAYA Travel specializes in providing travelers with intimate encounters with Panama’s majestic nature, rich ancestral culture, and authentic communities. These journeys offer more than just high-end experiences—they provide opportunities for meaningful connections and personal transformation, while also giving back to the planet and humanity. As a regenerative travel operator, OGAYA integrates philanthropy into its business model, directing a percentage of its revenue to conservation efforts and community empowerment projects.
APTSO envisions using tourism as a tool for sustainable development. APTSO is committed to leading Panama into a new era of tourism that prioritizes resilience in the face of climate change. By promoting initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, APTSO focuses on actions that conserve Panama’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage while empowering local communities.
Key Initiatives of the Partnership
As part of this collaboration, OGAYA Travel has pledged to participate in APTSO’s tour operator program, focusing on two flagship community projects:
- Isla Cañas Turtle Nesting Conservation Project: OGAYA will support conservation efforts in Isla Cañas, a crucial site for turtle nesting. By building additional turtle nests, the partnership aims to protect eggs until they hatch, contributing to the preservation of endangered sea turtles and the overall marine ecosystem.
- Soloy Indigenous Community Development Project: OGAYA Travel will also support the indigenous Ngäbe community in Soloy, working closely with local leaders to co-create sustainable development initiatives. These projects will be designed to meet the community’s needs while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources.
Both initiatives underscore OGAYA’s dedication to ensuring its travels leave destinations better than they were found. By working with APTSO, OGAYA Travel strengthens its role as a pioneer of regenerative travel, blending high-end tourism with impactful, sustainable practices.
OGAYA Travel and APTSO are proud participants in the Adventure Travel World Summit, to be held in Panama in October 2024, where they will showcase the extraordinary work of local rural and indigenous communities as stewards of the environment and guardians of Panama’s cultural treasures.