A sustainability programme is being introduced by the Latin American Travel Association as the group seeks to “change the narrative” over the issue.
The initiative follows a set of principles agreed and signed off by 85 members prior to the pandemic in 2019.
It will see the creation of a peer-to-peer Lata sustainable travel network providing clear and consistent sustainability policies to be shared, understood and delivered.
Running alongside is a 360 strategic review, a free training option comprising of six practical lessons designed to strengthen the integration of sustainable management into tourism operations.
Lata head of sustainability Megan Parkinson said: “We are absolutely staggered by the response to the Lata sustainability programme and the Lata 360 strategic review, which has already received over 50 applications.
“Latin America is no stranger to sustainable tourism. There are countless trailblazers throughout the Lata membership and beyond, we have a lot to be proud of.
“However, with increasing focus on flight shaming and negative impacts of tourism, it is easy to forget that.
“We want to change the narrative by helping our members fully understand their impact, both positive and negative. Ensuring constant improvement, we can also highlight the positive impact tourism can bring.
“We have to recognise tourism as a force for good which can drive impactful and positive change.”
The pilot for the scheme launches on November 16 with a group of 12 Lata members – four tour operators, four DMCs and four accommodation providers.
The pilot group will become ambassadors for the scheme and act as mentors for future participants.
On completion of the pilot in March, the first cohort will then begin in April 2023 with a maximum of 30 participants split into buddy groups by member type such as tour operators, DMCs or accommodation providers.
This will enable tourism businesses to expand their positive impact and become more resilient, regardless of where they are in their sustainability journey.