Shaping the Future of Responsible Travel: Two Decades of Visionary Eco-Tourism
A Well-Deserved Accolade for a Trailblazer in Sustainable Travel
Enrique Umbert O., the Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP), a family-operated eco-adventure enterprise, recently received the esteemed Significant Contribution Award at the 2025 LATA Excellence Awards. This distinguished honor was presented during a grand gala dinner at LATA Expo, in the presence of over 300 industry professionals, collaborators, and media representatives, acknowledging his exceptional dedication to responsible tourism.
The Genesis of a Sustainable Vision: Redefining Andean Adventure
The LATA Excellence Awards serve to commend outstanding achievements within the Latin American tourism sector. Enrique's recognition stems from his forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism. Since co-founding MLP in 2005 with his late father, Enrique Umbert Sandoval, he has been instrumental in reshaping premium adventure travel experiences in the Andean region. His leadership has consistently prioritized enriching local communities, safeguarding cultural traditions, and ensuring ecological balance.
Impacting Communities and Preserving Heritage Through Responsible Practices
Through Yanapana Peru, MLP's non-profit arm, Enrique has significantly contributed to poverty reduction, achieving a remarkable decrease of over 20% in local communities. He pioneered the Kuska Purispa co-ownership model, fostering community participation, and has supported more than 150 female artisans through textile cooperative programs dedicated to preserving ancestral weaving techniques. Furthermore, MLP's commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices, with 80% of materials used across operations acquired locally, and organic farming central to its environmental strategy.
A Testament to Collaborative Success: The Voice Behind the Vision
Expressing his gratitude, Enrique Umbert O. stated, \"Receiving this acknowledgment is a profound honor. From the outset, our objective was to craft travel experiences that are equally impactful for local communities as they are for our guests. This award truly belongs to the multitude of local partners, skilled artisans, and dedicated team members who breathe life into this vision every single day.\"
The Rigorous Selection Process: Celebrating Industry Leaders
An independent panel of distinguished industry leaders meticulously evaluated the candidates for this year's awards. Overseen by LATA CEO Danny Callaghan, the judging committee included notable figures such as Kate Kenward (Visit USA UK), Adrian Phillips (Bradt Travel Guides), Basia Kolosinska (C&M Recruitment), and Kate McWilliams (LOTUS), ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of all submissions.
Acknowledging Collective Endeavors: The Judges' Perspective
The judging panel praised the impressive accomplishments of LATA members, both in the UK and across Latin America, noting, \"It is gratifying to observe the clear commitment of so many participants to collaborate with their communities, ensuring that their offerings emphasize the positive societal impact of tourism.\" Danny Callaghan, CEO of LATA, added, \"It is always a privilege to present these awards annually to our members, celebrating their successes and the diligent effort required to offer the pinnacle of travel to Latin America. It's especially rewarding to do so in the company of so many of our members at LATA Expo.\"