A coffee with Mr Iván Eskildsen, CEO of OGAYA Travel

Dear readers, colleagues and travel lovers, it’s my pleasure to bring you here an exclusive interview with my friend and partner Mr Iván Eskildsen, a distinguished leader in the field of regenerative tourism. Beyond his former role as Minister of Tourism of Panama, he is currently Founder & CEO of OGAYA Travel, and Ambassador of REGENERA LUXURY in Panama. Iván brings indeed a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the regenerative tourism sector.

Ivan Eskildsen and Hector De Castro

To frame our discussion, let’s consider the latest industry trends:

The regenerative tourism sector is expanding rapidly, with global projections indicating a 12% annual growth rate over the next five years. This surge reflects a growing demand for travel experiences that foster positive impacts on both local communities and natural ecosystems.

Iván’s role at REGENERA LUXURY is pivotal. His deep involvement with our initiatives and his personal friendship have provided invaluable insights and direction in our collective mission to elevate regenerative practices. I’m excited to delve into this conversation and explore the innovative work happening at OGAYA Travel. 

Question 1: Inspiration and Mission 

Hector: "Iván, it’s fantastic to have you with us. To start, can you share what inspired you to create OGAYA? What is the core mission behind your agency, and how do you plan to differentiate OGAYA in the evolving travel market?" 

Ivan:. "OGAYA was born from a personal journey together with my wife Maria Amelia. We were both profoundly transformed by our deep connection to Panama’s pristine natural landscapes and its rich ancestral cultures. Our transformative travels through Panama, one of the world’s three carbon-negative countries, revealed the immense value that comes from immersing oneself in untouched nature and the profound personal growth that derives from connecting with the cultures of indigenous and rural communities. Moved by these experiences, we have dedicated ourselves to curate high-end journeys that now allow us to share with others the life-changing power of travel".   


Question 2: Defining Regenerative Tourism

Hector: "Regenerative tourism is a concept that’s increasingly capturing global attention. How do you define regenerative tourism, and what core principles are driving OGAYA’s operations and travel offerings?" 

Ivan: "Trough regenerative travel, at OGAYA we are dedicated to protecting and preserving Panama’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come, committed to leaving destinations better than we found them". 

Question 3: Crafting Regenerative Experiences

Hector: "Creating truly regenerative travel experiences involves more than just a beautiful destination. Could you provide specific examples of how OGAYA designs its itineraries to ensure they promote both ecological and cultural regeneration?" 

Ivan: At the heart of regenerative travel is a systems approach to everything that is done. Understanding that everything is connected, and that we can all help each other out in collaboration, and still make an attractive profit. This philosophy inspires the way we approach our day to day business, from designing our itineraries, to how we deal with our suppliers and clients. 

Question 4: Collaboration with Local Communities

Hector: One of the key goals of regenerative tourism is to positively impact local communities. How is OGAYA working with Panamanian communities to ensure that your travel experiences provide real, sustainable benefits?" 

Ivan:  Ogaya we operate at the intersection between travel and philanthropy, where we can impact both conservation efforts and community empowerment. As pioneers in high-end regenerative travel in Panama, we direct a percentage of our revenues to impact projects. Here are a few of the programs we support: 
Program 1 — Guna Yala Indigenous Territory: We have signed an agreement with the elders of the Guna Cultural Congress to support Guna indigenous youth to participate in a traditional spirituality learning program. 
Program 2 — Turtle Conservation Program: We are supporting the community of Isla Cañas to build more nests to protect turtle eggs until hatching". 


Question 5: Navigating Challenges in Regenerative Tourism

Hector: "Entering the regenerative tourism sector comes with its set of challenges. What do you view as the main obstacles facing OGAYA, and how are you addressing these to ensure long-term success?" 

Ivan: "We permanently ask ourselves how can we make sure we preserve a balance between supporting and training local communities so they can share their ancestral culture with visitors, but understanding that if they become too popular, they can eventually loose their essence and authentic culture. We understand there are processes beyond our control, and what we can do in the meantime is approach these communities with respect, and honor the wisdom in their culture". 

Question 6: Future Trends and Perspectives

Hector: Looking ahead, how do you see the landscape of regenerative tourism evolving? What emerging trends might shape the future of OGAYA and the broader industry?" 

Ivan: "In the last few years there has been tremendous interest in learning more about indigenous cultures around the world. I find it fascinating that in the Western world today, there is a quest for a more sustainable way of life, while traditional cultures have had many answers all along, as they have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I believe that more and more people will approach the indigenous to understand their relationship to nature, even if, as Westerners, many things from our way of life will remain the way we know them". 

Question 7: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Hector: "For those interested in entering the regenerative tourism field, what advice would you offer to help them establish a successful and impactful agency?" 

Ivan: "My advice would be to do the right research to understand what regenerative travel implies in the deeper sense of the word, and to try to avoid the superficial en empty use of the concept". 

Question 8: Future Projects and Ambitions

Hector: "Finally, can you share some insights into the future plans for OGAYA? Are there any exciting projects or expansions that we should look forward to?". 

Ivan: "Our ambition is to scale up our concept, increasing the positive impact we leave on the planet, while making a case that business can be profitable, and good for the planet and its people at the same time. Stay tuned as we deploy our future plans!"

Should anyone wants to know more about regenerative travel opportunities in Panama, contact: info@ogayatravel.com

Faraway
"Iván, it has been an honor to speak with you today and gain a deeper understanding of OGAYA Travel Agency and your vision for regenerative tourism. Your insights and experience are truly inspiring. I am excited to see the positive impact OGAYA will continue to make in Panama and beyond. 

Thank you for sharing your journey with REGENERA LUXURY."