LATA Responsible Tourism Awards

Community tourism supporting a deprived village in Peru, intensive waste recycling in a remote area of Chile, and the local resourcing of an ecolodge in Ecuador are among the inspiring winners of this year’s Latin America Travel Association (LATA) Responsible Tourism Awards, run in association with ICRT Latin America.

The  awards were presented at the LATA Expo today  and were judged by Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT global and managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership,  Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, director of The Long Run, Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Sunday Times, Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations, Maria Emilia Correa, co-founder and senior strategist at Sistema B, and Megan Parkinson, head of sustainability at LATA.

Each winning organisation was recognised with either a silver, a gold or a “one to watch” award. The “ones-to-watch” accolade indicates that the judges are very interested in the initiative and would like to hear more about it as it develops, they hope to see a further application.

The 2025 LATA Responsible Tourism Awards award winners are:

PEACE, UNDERSTANDING & INCLUSION RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD

Tourism has the power to bridge divides, foster cultural understanding, and create opportunities for peace and inclusion. The Award for Peace, Understanding & Inclusion recognises outstanding initiatives that use tourism as a force for good—promoting cross-cultural exchange, providing economic alternatives in conflict-affected regions, and making travel more inclusive for all.

GOLD: Valencia Travel Cusco for the Ruqha Ayllu Project, Peru
www.valenciatravelcusco.com

Despite being located on a popular tourist route, Ruqha Ayllu had long been marginalised and excluded from the benefits of tourism. The community of 25 families live in extremely vulnerable conditions, lacking access to clean water, electricity, education and medical care. A few people from the village secure work on the Inca Trail, but when they can no longer perform physically demanding portering jobs, they often fall into economic dependence, or social abandonment.

Valencia Travel has worked to enable the community to use tourism as a tool for empowerment and positive change. By promoting community-based experiential tourism, they sought to create sustainable income opportunities, strengthen cultural identity, and support social development in Ruqha Ayllu. By welcoming travellers into their homes and sharing their way of life, community members challenge stereotypes and prejudices while preserving and celebrating their unique Andean cultural heritage. They trained men and women in food safety, hospitality, and sustainable tourism practices, enabling the community to offer authentic experiential tourism experiences based on their traditions, crafts, and agricultural practices.  Infrastructure improvements, including the construction of hygienic restrooms, the remodelling of the community centre to comfortably accommodate 40 visitors with tables and chairs, and the cleaning and modernisation of the access road, have made it possible for the community to welcome tour groups safely and comfortably. Rather than relying on external donors, this initiative was fully funded by Valencia Travel Cusco as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and regenerative tourism programs.

Valencia Travel has diversified village income, strengthened cultural identity, and provided opportunities, especially for women and the elderly who could no longer work as porters.

Silver: Golden Experiences & Travel (GET), Galapagos and Amazon
www.goldenexperiences.com www.goldensustainability.info

Golden Experiences & Travel offers eco-tourism adventures in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest. Its voyages include onboard education about local ecology and guided visits to community-run projects, linking guests with Galápagos islanders. GET recognises that environmental sustainability is insufficient without social sustainability. It recognised that limited access to education, few income-earning opportunities and entrenched gender inequality are the realities affecting its neighbours, employees’ families, and the future of the places we seek to protect and share with the world. GET recognises that every trip can leave behind more than footprints- it can leave opportunity, connection, and empowerment. It believes in tourism that heals, uplifts, and unites.

In Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal it has installed high-speed satellite internet, run life skills workshops and supported Mandi Wasi in enabling five women-led Galápagos businesses to flourish and Sin Lata, a women-led tuna enterprise. The Pilche Formation Program has trained over 20 Kichwa youth and artisans in the Amazon, empowering them as nature guides, cooks, and craftspeople. With the Galápagos Science Center (GSC) it has run community-facing events foster cross-sector collaboration and mutual understanding between hosts and visitors.

One to Watch: Intrepid DMC Latin America www.intrepiddmc.com

The judges recognise that Intrepid has a great deal of experience in community based tourism across the region and in training and empowering their teams to make a difference. The work is funded by the Intrepid Foundation, from profits, customer donations, fundraising events, emergency appeals and corporate partnerships. The judges would like to hear more about their work at Moravia in Medellin and hope to see an application next year.

MANAGING WASTE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD

This award recognises businesses, destinations, and initiatives that have implemented effective waste management strategies, demonstrating a commitment to minimising waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and repurposing materials in ways that benefit the environment and local communities.  Winners in this category will have proven, scalable solutions that reduce tourism’s environmental footprint and create economic or social value from waste. The winner was outstanding, demonstrating what can be achieved, a model which should be replicated.

Gold: EcoCamp, Patagonia www.ecocamp.travel

Located in Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile, EcoCamp Patagonia demonstrates commitment to its green ethos, social commitment and cultural preservation and would be a strong contender in many categories. It has addressed all waste streams from composting toilets to solid wastes, dealing with Tetra Pak, glass, metal, plastic, and cardboard, which are separated and sent to a recycling centre in Punta Arenas. Glass is recycled into candle holders. In the remote location where it is based, recycling is not possible, so transporting it to the nearest recycling centre is the preferred option over the alternative, landfill. Other activity undertaken by EcoCamp Patagonia includes:

Recycling vegetables, fruit, and other compostable organic waste on site. The waste is mixed, moistened, dried and used as compost, enriching the soil for vegetable growing. Non-compostable food scraps, meat, rice, and pasta are given to a local supplier who uses them to feed her pigs. EcoCamp weighs its waste to monitor performance. 

Creating compost. Waste from the toilets accumulates in composting chambers, where solid and liquid waste are separated. Solid waste is mixed with wood chips and heated to sustain microorganisms, activating the composting process. Liquids pass through a filtration chamber, are purified, and seep into the ground. The resulting compost is used for soil regeneration and as fertiliser for flowers

Repurposing fabric Old towels are repurposed as cleaning cloths, and worn-out curtains are transformed into reusable bags for transporting clothing, helping us avoid using plastic bags. Employees’ used clothing is repurposed into new products such as blankets, stuffed animals, and hats.

Treating wastewater Employees use conventional toilets, and a biofiltration system is used to treat wastewater. The water passes through a biofilter of multiple layers, including gravel, wood chips, and worms, which help decontaminate the water. The cleaned water is then safely returned to the ground. Biodegradable shampoo is provided in all domes.

The judges were really impressed by the comprehensive and thorough approach of EcoCamp to dealing with its waste. Their practice should be widely replicated.

NATURE POSITIVE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD

Wildlife and the natural environment are important drivers for travel. The travel and tourism sector depends on nature’s beauty to provide its goods and services, yet tourism can negatively impact the places we visit. The tourism sector has a responsibility to contribute to the reversal of biodiversity loss and protect nature for future generations by promoting a regenerative approach to tourism. The judges were looking for businesses that act as guardians of biodiversity and take a regenerative approach to their operations.

Gold: Rainforest Expeditions – Wired Amazon Programme
www.rainforestexpeditions.com
www.wiredamazon.com

Wired Amazon is redefining the role of ecotourism in conservation, proving that responsible tourism can generate economic opportunities for indigenous communities while reinforcing cultural identity and environmental stewardship. By engaging a diversity of stakeholders- communities, tourism businesses, researchers, and global volunteers, Wired Amazon has demonstrated that conservation succeeds when it becomes a shared responsibility. Wired Amazon benefits local communities and science, a rare combination.

Wired Amazon engages volunteers in citizen science to develop long-term data sets accessible to international sciences supported by AI-assisted analysis of drone footage, camera traps and bioacoustics monitoring. Through Zooniverse, more than 15,000 online volunteers have been engaged in classifying images from AmazonCam and analysing tree phenology data for Aero botany, accelerating research while fostering conservation awareness, enabling researchers to process data faster than traditional methods, demonstrating the potential of digital citizen science in conservation. Wired Amazon has launched the Tambopata Macaw Project, and expanded bio acoustic primate monitoring to areas outside protected zones.

Integrating scientific research into tourism creates direct financial incentives for conservation while empowering communities with knowledge and technical skills. The Ese’Eja Native Community of Infierno has fully integrated Wired Amazon into their ecotourism operations at Posada Amazonas, embedding scientific research into their visitor experiences. This has led to greater local ownership of conservation efforts, with community members actively participating in data collection, wildlife monitoring, and habitat protection. The judges were impressed by what Rainforest Expeditions has achieved, proving that research-driven ecotourism can enhance visitor engagement and generate conservation funding, and hope that others will adopt and adapt this highly replicable approach to delivering ecotourism. Sonene and Palma Real, have adopted similar approaches, strengthening conservation efforts beyond national parks.

Silver: Estancia Cerro Guido, Patagonia
www.estanciacerroguido.com

The Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación manages over 100,000 hectares of ecologically significant land adjacent to Torres del Paine National Park, of which 2,000+ hectares are under active restoration. Rewilding is focused on restoring predator-prey dynamics through the natural recovery of pumas and guanacos. By encouraging nature to regenerate, there is a contribution to carbon sequestration. They offer traditional low-impact wildlife tourism experiences and opportunities to participate in conservation research.

Their Guardian Dogs Initiative has successfully reduced puma predation on livestock by 85%, decreasing retaliatory killings and fostering coexistence between ranchers and wildlife. Former puma hunters have been retrained as wildlife guides, transforming their knowledge into a resource for conservation-based tourism. This initiative has fostered a sense of responsibility and collaboration between conservationists and the local community. By empowering ranchers with the tools and knowledge to coexist with wildlife, they address a critical gap: the lack of viable solutions for human-wildlife conflict that don’t involve harm to either side.

One to Watch: Kapawi Ecolodge, Ecuador
www.kapawi.com
The judges were impressed by the recovery of this ecolodge, resulting from the decision by three local communities: Kapawi, Kusutkau, and Suwa, to renovate and rebuild the lodge.  The judges hope to see a further application with evidence of a nature-positive impact.

INCREASING LOCAL SOURCING & CREATING SHARED VALUE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD

Tourism has the potential to drive economic growth and create opportunities for local communities, but too often, the financial benefits do not remain within the destination. This award recognises businesses, destinations, and initiatives that are actively increasing local sourcing, minimising economic leakage, and creating shared value by integrating local businesses and entrepreneurs into their supply chains.

Gold: Kuyana Amazon Lodge, Ecuador
www.kuyanalodge.com/sustainability/

Kuyana Amazon Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge sourcing over 80% of their food from local farmers, ensuring that the menu is deeply rooted in traditional Amazonian gastronomy.  By sourcing fresh, organic, and local ingredients, it provides an immersive culinary experience for guests and contribute to the economic stability of local producers, reducing reliance on imported goods, reducing their carbon footprint, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices within the community.

Kuyana Lodge also supports the local economy by employing indigenous guides who share their deep knowledge of the Amazon rainforest, its flora and fauna, and the cultural significance of the land. It contributes further to the local economy by providing cooking classes, where guests learn traditional recipes and cooking techniques; organize visits to local families to share their life experiences, offering guests an authentic and enriching experience where they can learn firsthand about the traditions, stories, and customs that are part of the daily life of the community and source biodegradable products made by local entrepreneurs. It also facilitates direct interactions between guests and Amupakin midwives, fostering an appreciation for their expertise and traditions and providing some financial support. Twenty Quechua artisans and small business owners generate income through their collaboration with Kuyana Lodge through the sale of handmade products, and the provision of local services: guided tours, transportation and restaurants. 

Silver: Latin Trails and ILLA Experience Hotel, NESTS
www.latintrails.com/nests
www.latintrails.com/products/illa-experience-hotel/

The judges wanted to recognise again the NESTS initiative run by Illa Experience Hotel & Latin Trails, which provides young culinary talents from rural and underserved communities in Ecuador with hands-on training, mentorship, and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. It won Gold last year in the Employing and Upskilling Local Communities category. The judges wanted to point out that this initiative benefits not only the individuals who receive training but also the communities to which they return.

In order to be recognised a second time, there needs to be something new. In San Marcos, the neighbourhood where ILLA is located, nine local artisans share their skills in toquilla hat weaving, handmade desserts, watercolour painting, pyrography, restoration, ceramics, helping preserve traditional knowledge and providing artisans with opportunities to earn a stable income. Since 2024, this partnership has generated over $14,000 in direct income for the artisans, contributing to their families and helping sustainably preserve cultural heritage. Guests at ILLA can join them in hands-on experiences, like learning to make Ecuadorian desserts or discovering how to weave toquilla hats. These moments create meaningful connections between travellers and the people of San Marcos, thus enriching the local community and guests, albeit each group in a different way, one financial, the other experiential.

CLIMATE ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD
This award recognises businesses, destinations, and initiatives that are taking proactive, innovative, and scalable steps to both reduce their carbon footprint and protect tourism infrastructure, communities, and ecosystems from climate-related risks. The judges were looking for practices that have demonstrated measurable progress in decarbonising tourism operations and/or developing adaptive solutions that safeguard tourism’s future.

Gold: Amazonas Explorer, Peru
www.amazonas-explorer.com/queuna-raymi-tree-planting-festival/  

Amazonas Explorer prioritises low-impact travel styles such as trekking, biking, and rafting over more carbon-intensive alternatives. It maintains a fleet of E-Bikes, supported by in-house mechanics, for accessible, low-emission travel through the Sacred Valley. Trips are locally run, with locally sourced food and materials wherever possible, significantly reducing transport-related emissions and supporting small suppliers. The judges recognise that this is much more than a simple outsourced carbon offsetting scheme.

Guides and office staff regularly take part in tree-planting activities.  Trees are planted by hand, using no machinery or chemicals, and cared for by the same communities who benefit from their long-term environmental value. In 2024, its campaign focused on the community of Quishuarani in the Lares Valley, within the Siete Cataratas conservation area – a fragile ecosystem under increasing pressure due to climate change. Working alongside ECOAN, Acción Andina, and the local community, 370 community workdays planted 20,000 queuña saplings (Polylepis sp.) and 200 Gynoxys flowering plants and 4.55 hectares of high-Andean forest were restored.  

Unlike many offset schemes that rely on international carbon credits or remote tree-planting initiatives, their regenerative project is hyper-local. Amazonas Explorer plants slow-growing high-altitude trees like Queuña in the same highland regions where its trips take place. Alongside local families, Amazonas Explorer staff join in the planting, and their travellers fund it through their trips, at the rate of two trees per travel day.  The local communities are involved in every stage, from nurseries to planting and monitoring.

Silver: La Selva Ecolodge & Retreat, Ecuador
www.laselvaecolodge.com  

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is a luxury sustainable lodge located in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. The judges recognised that La Selva was taking replicable measures to reduce emissions before offsetting residual emissions. It introduced a hybrid battery and inverter energy system powered by stored solar/grid energy, cutting diesel generator runtime from 24 to 17 hours daily – a 30% operational reduction, saving 8.4 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.  Across the lodge it introduced LED lighting, efficient appliances, enhanced room insulation and schedule operations to minimise energy waste. Unusually, it invested cost savings, around $12,285 in annual diesel savings in community health, education, and renewable energy, including a solar initiative at a local school.

One to Watch: Antarctica21
www.antarctica21.com

Antarctica 21 pioneered an air-cruise model, increasing access to Antarctica. It is an active member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). The Responsible Tourism Awards recognise businesses and destinations for particular practices. In this case, the judges wished to recognise the e-gasoline initiative, which may assist in validating the use of e-fuels. Antartica 21 is piloting synthetic e-Gasoline in the Zodiac fleet aboard the expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer. During the 2023–2024 Antarctic season, it used 4,000 litres of e-Gasolina 93 octane to fuel its 12 Zodiac boats. The synthetic fuel is produced at the HIF Haru Oni plant in Punta Arenas, Chile, using biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen, powered by the region’s abundant wind energy. The e-fuel was used without requiring modifications to the existing outboard engines, demonstrating both technical feasibility and operational simplicity.

All LATA Responsible Tourism Award Gold winners now automatically go onto contend for a 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Award sponsored by Sabre and will compete on a world stage against winners from Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Picture credit: Alvaro Ugas Tasso, Pexels