In September 2026, Megan Parkinson became Chair of the LATA Foundation, succeeding Jude Berry. With nearly two decades of involvement in the Foundation, Megan brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to using tourism as a force for positive change across Latin America.
Megan is European Hub and Training Manager at The Long Run and was previously Head of Sustainability and Impact at LATA. She has volunteered with the Foundation since 2007, led its Events and Fundraising Team for six years, and has been a Trustee since 2019.
For Megan, the LATA community has long been an important part of her life, and she is excited to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.
Her vision is to see a Latin America where tourism helps regenerate the places, people and wildlife it touches, and where the growth of the tourism industry goes hand in hand with the region’s long-term prosperity.
This means supporting grassroots projects led by local people, across conservation, community development and culture, where tourism can help create lasting change.
Megan also wants to strengthen the connection between LATA members and the projects the Foundation supports. There are opportunities for members to get involved by supporting local businesses, including community-led experiences in itineraries, employing local guides and helping share the stories of the organisations making a difference.
As the Foundation looks ahead to its 20th anniversary in 2027, Megan is keen to build on its achievements and work with the LATA community to extend its impact across Latin America.