NEW LATA MEMBERS
NEWS FROM LATA FOUNDATION
LATA Foundation Covid-19 emergency appeal
In June, the LATA Foundation set up its emergency Covid-19 appeal in a response to the devastating impact the global pandemic is having in Latin America. The appeal provides small grants to a range of charities and organisations that have been severely impacted as a result of the global pandemic.
Since establishing the appeal, the LATA Foundation has supported nine emergency projects.
From facilitating PPE for midwives serving in remote communities in Guatemala to funding food parcels for porters in Peru whose income has dried up due to the lack of tourism; funds have been carefully allocated to ensure support goes to those who are most in need during these challenging times.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/latafoundationcovid19response
NEWS FROM UK MEMBERS
Sanderson Phillips
COVID-19 Accommodation Accreditation
The City Express EBC Reforma Hotel in Mexico City has become the first South American hotel to be awarded the COVID-19 Certificate of International Good Practice by Global Secure Accreditation and SFJ Awards.
LATA’s accommodation safety consultants Sanderson Phillips were involved with creating the standards against which the certificate is awarded and lead the assessment process that the hotel undertakes. Hotels must demonstrate compliance against a comprehensive set of hygiene and health security requirements.
More information can be found HERE.
tranquilico & Sanderson Phillips
Covid-19 Endorsement
Following significant demand from DMC’s and activity providers, tranquilico and Sanderson Phillips have worked together to develop a Covid19 Endorsement assessment. You can now put yourself through an assessment for Covid compliance for a very competitive price.
If you PASS you will receive an endorsement confirming you are meeting Good Practice Protocols for Covid19 valid for a year. Tour Operators can promote this to their suppliers or indeed they can also go for the assessment as an operator.
For more details please contact safety@tranquilico.com or info@sandersonphillips.co.uk.
Senderos
Pacuare Lodge & sister hotel Lapa Rios, Costa Rica – Pay 3 Nights, Stay 4!
The 4th night is complimentary for new bookings at either lodge for a stay until 19th December 2020 or between 10th January and 31st October 2021. Subject to availability.
Please ask your DMC or us for more information. Good timing with Sansa will resuming flights to Puerto Jimenez, the nearest airport to Lapa Rios!
Contact info@senderos.co.uk or visit our website.
REGION-WIDE
Condor Travel
We are OPEN and READY!
Open borders, check. International safety standards and protocols, check. Flexible booking policies and early-booking discounts, check. This month we had our first tourists back in Galapagos, and Machu Picchu will be open to the general public in November. All that’s missing are your clients.
Discover Flexitravel products made to fit the needs of today’s travels.
Maya Trails
We’re back!
We are pleased to announce that we are ready for future guests to GUATEMALA, BELIZE & HONDURAS.
Please contact us for future bookings at info@mayatrails.com.gt.
ARGENTINA
Estancia Los Potreros
Website Update
Following a very success LATA Expo 2020 we have now launched an up to date agents section on our website.
For those agents who wish to access all our marketing information please email us at marketing@estancialospotreros.com to requests the login and password.
Furlong Incoming
Join us to fight climate change
In an alliance with ReforestArg organization, each confirmed reserve will become a native tree planted in the degraded forests of Argentina, to compensate 1,000 km traveled by plane by the passengers. As they will be contributing to the fight against climate change, they will obtain a certificate for the tree planted.
We also offer our clients 100% Carbon Neutral Programs, to give their passengers the possibility of mitigating 100% of the carbon footprint, generated by the flights that connect the destinations.
Together we can be the change!
Antarpply Expeditions
Antarpply Expeditions is encouraged by strong reservations for their 2021-22 program and is recommending that you book early to secure space for your clients.
The 2021-22 program – beginning in November 2021 – can be found on their website at or you can email info@antarpply.com for more information.
ALCHEMY DMC Argentina
Explore Welsh Patagonia with the ALCHEMISTS
Another of the myriad surprises of Argentina is the Welsh Patagonia area in the Chubut Valley region. The distinct fusion of Wales & Argentina is seen in landscapes, marked with windmills and chapels, the culture, with tea houses and festivals celebrating the Welsh heritage. Many towns, all with Welsh names, are worthy to visit, such as Trelew, Trevelin, Gaiman, Esquel & Puerto Madryn.
We invite your customers to explore focusing not only on the interesting roots and culture, but also on the fine nature and wildlife, from the coast to the mountains range.
Contact our team, for tailor-made programs: leisure@alchemydmc.com.
BOLIVIA
Crillon Tours S.A.
We ended October with excellent news. Presidential elections were held peacefully; our Bio-Security protocols have been accepted by national authorities & with the seal of the WTTC under the concept of Travel Bubble, although in Bolivia there is a sustained decrease of Covid-19.
Finally, our competitive advantages as a destination have been widely applauded, far from crowds & open spaces with a bewitching nature and unmatched authentic alive cultures… good reasons to be happy!
To learn more about Crillon Tours, click HERE or HERE.
BRAZIL
HAVAS CREATIVE TOURS
Fernando de Noronha – the definition of Paradise
Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago located about 350 kilometers off the northeast coast of Brazil. It is the dream of every Brazilian to visit this paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, at least once in a lifetime.
The archipelago is named after its largest island, a marine park and protected ecological sanctuary with a jagged coastline and several ecosystems. It offers great activities such as diving and snorkeling. Sea turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks swim in the warm and clear waters. Also your clients will get to visit Baía de Sancho which was voted most beautiful beach in the world.
For more information, contact Havas Creative Tours.
Walpax Brazil Travel Partners
Inside Paraty by Sea Experience – 65 Islands and more than a hundred beaches
Paraty has 65 islands and more than a hundred beaches of a rare beauty, surrounded by lush vegetation that makes it a quiet and unforgettable place, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
From the pier, your clients will spend their day cruising through the bay of Paraty on schooner NETUNO to some of Paraty’s favorite beaches. On the way, they will stop to explore a few of the many beautiful beaches and islands along the Paraty coast.
The trip last around 5 hours and there are 4 stops for swimming and snorkeling. They will enjoy this remarkable adventure!
For more information, please contact us.
CHILE
travelArt Chile
travelArt presents: The magic of Chile on an impressive virtual journey
With breathtaking pictures, the travelArt team accompanies you on a virtual journey from the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile to Patagonia in the south of the country. We will also take you to discover the culture-rich Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Experience the contrasting landscapes as they are only found in Chile and be enchanted by the impressive pictures. Here you can find almost every type of climate of the world in one single country.
Click HERE to see the video & take yourself on a dream trip to Chile…
Hotel Hangaroa
Low Season rates extended
We are delighted to let LATA members know that we have extended our low season rates until September 30th, 2021. Valid for all programs.
To learn more about Hotel Hangaroa, CLICK HERE.
COLOMBIA
Colombian Journeys
We have new excursions in Bogotá to visit the areas wherein the social transformation has shaped the capital city.
A visit to El Paraíso neighborhood in Ciudad Bolívar, a new scenario for social and inclusive tourism, where we will ride the new TransMiCable (cable car), a mobility solution for its inhabitants, followed by unique tour through the city center and the Bronx (the old “Cartucho”), an area without government control until 2016.
Both experiences allow your clients to discover artistic, cultural and colourful territories full of local talent, getting involved in music, dance, graffiti and urban gardens workshops.
More information marketing@colombianjourneys.net.
Metropolitan Touring Colombia
Top 6 reasons to travel to Colombia post-Covid 19
1. Many efforts have been made to follow all the sanitary measures to generate trust among travelers, minimizing the infection risk and, encouraging tourism’s development again.
2. Tourism operators and guides can apply to a biosecurity batch and a safe travel stamp.
3. Most nationalities only need a valid passport, as Colombia is visa free-travel country.
4. There are no quarantine requirements upon arrival.
5. The country has perfect destinations surrounded by nature with wide-open spaces and a low covid19 infection rate.
6. Colombia is an inexpensive county to experience in South America.
COSTA RICA
Travel Excellence
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches have extended its visitation schedule from 05:00 to 22:00 (Monday to Friday) and from 05:00 to 20:00 (Saturday & Sunday). This is great news since there are amazing promotions for long beach-stays where your clients can relax, detox and enjoy some of the exciting open-air activities.
Check our latest promotions and long- stay itineraries!
The good times are closer to come.
ECUADOR/GALAPAGOS
Napo Wildlife Center
Special Experience – Photography Program
Napo Wildlife Center has developed a special Photography Program as an option for our visitors.
It has a special supplement fee, as it would have specialized guiding to have the most amazing memories of the Amazon Rainforest. There are options for 3 or 4 nights, to experience nature and culture like nowhere else!!
You can see more HERE.
Latventure Incoming
We are happy to announce the start of a new cooperation with the DMC Alliance Latinconnect. Our offices in Argentina and Ecuador will start in January as exclusive partners and our office in Peru will follow in 2022. During the Virtual Market Place from November 10-12, we will share insights about the current situation in our destinations.
Latinconnect also offers a great bonus program for tour operators; learn more HERE.
Montemar Eco Luxury Villas
Montemar – the SAFE BUBBLE of Galapagos
Montemar is the perfect option for the post-pandemic traveller looking for meaningful and sustainable trips, connection with nature and local communities, and exclusivity and privacy: our 43-acre private reserve offers a safe bubble for a maximum of 12 guests.
Let our local owners look personally after your clients at one of two luxurious villas and create the trip of their dreams in Galapagos.
Contact Rosario or your supplier for more information.
Galagents Galapagos Cruises
2 months operating!
We are proud to share with you that we celebrated 2 months since our comeback to operations in Galapagos, time where we have learnt to respect and value more what we have.
Our commitment is stronger than ever in order to promote this unique destination with the most strict Biosecurity Protocols and to protect our new visitors during the expeditions.
Click HERE to watch a short video.
Hotel del Parque
Guayaquil wins Lofty TripAdvisor Awards
Despite a year of worldwide instability and uncertainty in the travel sector, Guayaquil continues to rise above it. Like a phoenix leaping from the ashes, Ecuador’s favorite city has seized 2020 as an opportunity. Guayaquil has proven that now is the time to become known as more than just a stop en route to the Galapagos Islands.
This year has been pivotal in catapulting Guayaquil’s reputation as a world-class travel destination. The Ecuadorian city’s rising popularity is evidenced via numerous Traveler’s Choice 2020 awards issued by TripAdvisor.
To learn more about Hotel del Parque, CLICK HERE.
Tropic Ecuador
News & Specials
T
ropic Ecuador is excited to welcome back our global travellers!
We have guests on the ground both in Ecuador’s mainland and the Galapagos Islands enjoying the very best guiding and accommodations while safely exploring our country’s wonders. Those interested in travelling with Tropic over the next few months can enjoy special last-minute promotions on a range of trips and accommodations.
Contact Tropic Ecuador for details.
Ecoventura – Galapagos
Ecoventura has two departures in Nov, one of which is a special photography departure
Ecoventura has two departures in November 2020. One is a specialist photography departure running from 8-15 Nov, covering the central and southern route. And the second departure runs from 29 Nov – 6 Dec and will be the northern and western route.
Ecoventura’s 10-cabin expedition yachts have the highest ratio of guide to guest in the Galapagos, plus amazing food and attention to detail being the only boats in the archipelago that are members of Relais & Chateaux.
For more info please email: request@ecoventura.com
GUYANA
Wilderness Explorers
Wilderness Explorers have been working closely with local communities, suppliers and the Guyana Tourism Authority to prepare for the reopening of Guyana which already opened its airports on the 12th October. American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Copa and Eastern Airlines have all announced plans to resume services in due course.
We have been busy developing new tours including In The Footsteps of Gordon Ramsay which follows his Uncharted trip to Guyana which was aired on the 21st October on National Geographic. See HERE for more details.
Claire and Tony are always available for online training or even socially-distanced meetings. Contact claire@wilderness-explorers.com.
MEXICO
The Los Cabos Tourism Board
Join us for the 14th Los Cabos VIP Summit taking place 9 – 11 November 2020
This year’s event will be virtual, and we will be using an online platform to forge new alliances while bringing together top travel professionals from around the world through a one-on-one business meeting program.
There will also be an On Demand educational program for partners and local suppliers with keynote speakers. Additionally, the event will feature an exclusive day for a travel agent tradeshow where you will be able to talk and interact live with a range of destination suppliers.
To register CLICK HERE.
NICARAGUA
Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR)
As commercial flights to Nicaragua resumed with Avianca arrivals from Miami, Tourism Minister Anasha Campbell addressed the LATA virtual Ministerial Summit, highlighting the country’s ongoing reactivation of domestic tourism, with businesses and infrastructure in optimal condition for the return of international visitors, and effective biosecurity protocols in place.
Nicaragua has the second lowest cases and deaths from Covid-19 in Central America. You can read more information HERE and HERE.
Vapues Travel
Vapues Travel is one of the first companies in the region to achieve Travelife Partner status, and we’re working hard to remove single-use plastics from all of our experiences.
We also support a variety of innovative local projects which aim to give something back to communities and regenerate the incredible nature which surrounds us. We believe that tourism should benefit local communities and celebrate their culture and traditions, and you’ll see this throughout our range of accommodation and authentic experiences.
Get in touch with our product manager for a tailored proposal at: product@vapues.com.
PANAMA
PROMTUR Panama
Panama announces reopening of borders to international travellers with approved tourism safety guidelines
Panama has announced it will reopen its borders to international visitors from all countries on October 12, 2020. With COVID-19 still a worldwide concern, The Authority of Tourism has worked closely with The Ministry of Health, alongside other government authorities, to implement strategic health and safety protocols designed to keep both visitors and local communities throughout the destination safe during and after its initial tourism reopening.
For more information on Panama’s re-opening and new health and safety protocols, please visit: https://www.visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines
Panama Journeys
Panama opens air borders to commercial and international flights
On October 12, 2020, Panama opened air borders to commercial and international flights. This reopening occured under strict health controls. Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test with a maximum of 48 hours before boarding. The passengers who do not present it upon arrival must undergo a rapid test, at a cost of $50.
Since this date, flights have been scheduled by airlines including Air France, Iberia, United Airlines, and KLM. Turkish Airlines and Air Europa are expected to do so from November & December respectively.
PERU
Sol y Luna
Sol y Luna launches new programme for the children of the Sol y Luna Foundation with special needs
The pandemic has been hugely challenging for the Sol y Luna Foundation, and one of the biggest hurdles has been how to support our special needs children during these times.
They cannot adapt to virtual sessions, so we have launched “Paqari at Home” a special initiative which means that we pay personal visits each week to our children with different capacities. Our main objectives are:
- Socialisation of students with their teachers and therapists.
- Development of academic activities and therapy sessions.
- Adaptation to new work routines and behaviours.
- Emotional balance for students and their families.
To learn more about Sol y Luna and their amazing projects, CLICK HERE.
Amazonas Explorer
Regenerative Travel
Do you remember when an eco-lodge actually meant a hotel or lodge that followed principles and systems to minimize the impact on the local environment? Or when a sustainable business actually indicated a company’s ability to sustain the environment around them?
Over the years it seems like any company with a set of recycling bins has adopted these trendy adjectives to attract the eco-conscious consumer. These labels have become so commonplace they have lost their substance and to a degree their marketing power.
Check out our full article HERE.
Aqua Expeditions
Promotion – Family Special 2020 & 2021
Guests can enjoy a culinary adventure, exotic wildlife, a thrilling experience, or an indulgent retreat; we have something for everyone. Book an expedition aboard the Aria Amazon as a group/family to enjoy 25% off the total rack rate, when booking interconnecting suites for 3 or more guests.
For more information contact us at reservations@aquaexpeditions.com or visit our website
LIMATOURS
Machu Picchu and iternational flights open
We are glad to share some good news regarding the activation of tourism activities in Peru. The reopening of Machu Picchu already has a date for the general public: November 1! The archaeological site will have a reduced capacity as a health prevention measure. Other sites have opened in Cusco and you see the list HERE.
Also, 24 new international air routes were announced starting in November between Peru and North America, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. See the list on the link.