The Latin America Travel Association ran its first parliamentary reception since the global Covid outbreak in March 2020.
The association returned to the House of Commons this week for the event hosted by MP Mark Menzies, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Latin America, and Lata chair Colin Stewart.
Attendees celebrated the resilience of the Latin American travel industry following the pandemic and recognised leading personalities who have contributed most significantly to the positive images of the region in the UK.
The late Derek Moore, co-founder of Explore Worldwide former chair of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, was inducted into Lata’s Hall of Fame.
The event also provided a platform for charitable arm, the Lata Foundation, to highlight key initiatives being funded across Latin America.
Trustee Chris Pickard appealed for new donors from the sector to help secure the £60,000 deficit needed to continue to provide the same level of funding for those most-in-need in 2024 and beyond.
Stewart said: “Since our last parliamentary reception held back on 11 March 2020, only 12 days before lockdown, I was delighted to welcome our members, ambassadors, dignitaries and travel colleagues back to parliament.
“It was fantastic to come together again after such a challenging few years and celebrate the resilience of the sector.
“It was an honour to induct the late Derek Moore into our Hall of Fame for his dedication to the region, and we were pleased to welcome his partner Amelia to collect this award on his behalf.”