OGAYA Travel Joins Forces with APTSO to Support Rural and Indigenous Communities

Panama City, Panama – [September 9, 2024] – OGAYA Travel, a regenerative travel operator in Panama, proudly announces a new partnership with the Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO). This collaboration will focus on supporting rural and indigenous communities through initiatives aimed at fostering environmental conservation and community empowerment, while enhancing the experience of transformational, high-end travel for OGAYA’s guests.

OGAYA Travel specializes in providing travelers with up-close and personal 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.

The Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO) envisions tourism as a powerful tool for driving sustainable development. Dedicated to leading Panama toward a new era of tourism, APTSO emphasizes resilience in the face of climate change. Through initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), APTSO works to preserve Panama’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage, while empowering local communities to thrive.

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:

1. 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 hatching, contributing to the preservation of endangered sea turtles and the overall marine ecosystem.
2. Soloy Indigenous Community Development Project: OGAYA Travel will also provide support to 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 needs of the community while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources.

Both initiatives underscore OGAYA’s dedication to ensuring that 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.

Both OGAYA Travel and APTSO are proud participants of the Adventure Travel World Summit to be held in Panama in October, where they wish to showcase the extraordinary work of local rural and indigenous communities as stewards of the environment and guardians of the cultural treasures of the country.