Regenerative Tourism and Sustainable Development Strategist and Community Resilience Advocate

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Annie Young is a sustainability and regenerative tourism strategist with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of tourism, environmental conservation, community development, and public policy. Her work focuses on advancing tourism as a catalyst for territorial regeneration, climate resilience, and inclusive development through community engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

Since 2014, she has served as President of the Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO), where she leads initiatives that strengthen local capacities, promote regenerative practices, and connect communities with economic opportunities. Under her leadership, APTSO has developed collaborative platforms including the Sustainable Rural and Community Tourism Network (SOSTUR) and the Panamanian Alliance for Community-Based Tourism (PACTO).

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Annie also contributes to international transdisciplinary research initiatives, including the Belmont Forum-funded BEDMAC project, exploring the connections between climate change, the built environment, public health, and community resilience.

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Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in the private sector, government advisory bodies, and civil society, including Panama's National Tourism Council, the National Tourism Chamber, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. As an entrepreneur, she founded EcoCircuitos Tour Operator and served as CEO of Sublime Journeys DMC, advancing responsible, nature-based tourism in Panama.

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Annie holds a degree in Communications from the University of Panama and has completed executive education programs at Stanford University, Harvard University, and Singapore Management University.

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Her work is driven by the belief that communities should be the architects of their own futures, and that tourism can serve as a powerful platform for connecting science, policy, and local action to regenerate territories and create lasting benefits for people and nature.