Lata introduces Darrell Wade as keynote speaker for its first Sustainability Conference.
- Wade will engage in a prominent one-on-one discussion, advocating business sustainability.
- Darrell Wade emphasises the need for protecting local biodiversity and communities within tourism.
- Megan Parkinson describes Wade as a pioneer in sustainable travel initiatives.
- The Lata Expo offers an extensive programme with LATAM Airlines as the main sponsor.
The Latin American Travel Association (Lata) has confirmed Darrell Wade, co-founder of Intrepid, as the star attraction at its inaugural Sustainability Conference. Taking place during the Lata Expo, Wade’s involvement promises to bring critical insights into the advancing field of sustainability in tourism.
Wade is set to participate in a distinguished one-on-one ‘fireside chat’ at De Vere Beaumont Estate near Windsor on 26 June. He has expressed a commitment to not only addressing the challenges facing the industry but also highlighting successful sustainability stories that guide the tourism sector forward.
In his own words, Wade asserts, ‘We need to collectively safeguard the local biodiversity and communities that tourism relies upon, and in turn rely on tourism.’ Such statements underscore his dedication to sustainability as a fundamental component of modern tourism.
Beyond his role at Intrepid, where he helped to embed sustainability into the company’s core strategy, Wade is also actively engaged with the Intrepid Foundation and holds a vice-chair position at the World Travel and Tourism Council. These roles further solidify his standing as a leading voice in sustainable travel.
Megan Parkinson, Lata’s head of sustainability, acknowledges Wade as ‘one of the trailblazers of sustainable travel’. She expressed anticipation in hearing Wade’s transition from an adventurous backpacker to a leader in the adventure travel industry, certified as a B-Corp.
This year’s Lata Expo is noteworthy for its fully residential format, commencing from 24 June and concluding on 26 June. For those interested, an additional evening stay on 23 June is available prior to the official start of the event.
As the primary sponsor, LATAM Airlines enhances the event’s prestige. Wade emphasises that ‘sustainable travel is certainly becoming front of mind for many travellers’. He believes that collaborative efforts are essential in achieving a genuine impact in sustainability.
Latin America, according to Wade, serves as a rich example of community-based tourism, with numerous impactful initiatives underway across the continent. The Expo aims to showcase such initiatives and encourage broader adoption.
The inaugural Lata Sustainability Conference aims to set new standards in sustainable tourism, driven by dialogue led by notable figures like Darrell Wade.
