Consulting Opportunity in Bocas del Toro, Panama: Sustainable Tourism Development

Solimar International, a tourism development firm based in Washington DC is looking for a MBA volunteer to help develop sustainable tourism in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

About the Project

Solimar is a sub-contractor on the USAID funded Conservation of Central American Watersheds (CCAW) program and responsible for helping develop sustainable tourism in the Bocas del Toro region.

This project has several overarching objectives:

1.) To increase local understanding and ownership of tourism resources and tourism’s ability to act as a driver of economic and cultural development and environmental conservation

2.) Provide a forum for public and private collaboration on destination management, product development, and promotional activities through the creation of a sustainably managed destination management organization (DMO) for the region

3.) To provide targeted training that will enhance business development, entrepreneurship, service quality, and product development.

Solimar International is looking for a multi-talented, business-savvy volunteer able to assist in the day-to-day execution of this project. This is an 8-month appointment, with the flexibility to match the volunteer’s time available. Volunteers will work directly with DMO/small business leadership and the Solimar team, receiving guidance as needed.

About Bocas del Toro – (From the Lonely Planet Guide Book) Located 32km from the Costa Rican border, the Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro consists of six densely forested islands, scores of uninhabited islets and Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama’s oldest marine park. Although Bocas is Panama’s principal tourist draw card, a fair measure of authenticity remains. Low-key development has maintained the charm of small-town Caribbean life and the absence of megahotels has preserved the archipelago’s idyllic beauty. The laid-back Caribbean vibe of Bocas is enhanced by the archipelago’s spectacular natural setting. The islands are covered in dense jungles of vine tangles and forest palms that open up to pristine beaches fringed by reeds and mangroves. Beneath the water, an extensive coral reef ecosystem supports countless species of tropical fish while simultaneously providing some seriously gnarly surf breaks. In Bocas, hiking through huge swaths of rainforest to arrive at an empty stretch of wave-pounded shore is pretty much the norm. The mainland is home to the Panamanian half of the binational Parque Internacional La Amistad. Here, primary rainforests are home to megafauna including the elusive jaguar, as well as a handful of Ngöbe-Buglé settlements that are still clinging to their traditional ways of life. Unfortunately, the secret is out, and although local opinion is divided on the merits of increased tourism in Bocas, there’s no sign that development is likely to slow. Bulldozers have already started clearing land for condos and resorts, and the influx of foreign investors is an economic force to be reckoned with. It’s difficult to predict the future of the province, but one thing is certain – see Bocas now as its unspoiled beauty won’t last for much longer.

Desired qualifications: MBA or related graduate degree, or equivalent work experience, proficiency in English and Spanish, excellent communications skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and organized with an attention to detail. An interest in sustainable tourism and enthusiasm are also required!

Timing and Duration: Assignment will begin in January 2009 and last until September 2009 (dates are somewhat flexible)

Compensation: roundtrip airfare included, $800 monthly stipend, international health insurance, all program-related expenses reimbursable.

For more information or to apply - please contact: Jordan Oaks, Operations Manager Solimar International 2445 18th Street NW, Second Floor Washington, DC 20009  j.oaks@solimarinternational.com
(202) 518-6192 (x103)