At a time when technology is transforming the way we live, work and travel, it’s essential to reflect on how these new tools can complement — not replace — the human connections that make travel meaningful. Especially in the niche of small-scale, sustainable, nature-based tourism in Latin America, people remain at the heart of every unforgettable experience.
For the Antigua edition of REMOTE TALKS & SEEDS, we’ve chosen the theme Humans & Technology: Embracing Synergy in Tourism to inspire conversations about striking the right balance between innovation and the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
Technology helps us design better travel experiences, craft compelling stories and streamline operations. It has even allowed archaeologists to uncover ancient Maya cities in Guatemala and enabled hoteliers to simplify guest services. But no tech solution can compare to the power of eye-to-eye encounters — whether with a business partner who shares your vision or a host who welcomes you like an old friend.
By encouraging dialogue around this synergy, REMOTE continues its mission to foster transformative encounters, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for amplifying, not diminishing, the authenticity and sensitivity of human connection.
Check out our lineup of inspiring speakers and stories waiting for us in Antigua!
REMOTE TALKS
Unearthing the hidden Maya: How technology is redefining archeology
with Francisco Estrada-Belli, Archeologist (Guatemala)
For centuries, Guatemala’s dense jungles concealed the secrets of the ancient Maya civilization. Today, thanks to cutting-edge technology, archeologists are rewriting history. Guatemalan archeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli is at the forefront of the use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to reveal vast networks of Maya settlements buried beneath the rainforest. His discoveries are also opening new doors for travelers eager to make deeper connections with one of the most sophisticated ancient cultures of the Americas. Author of The First Maya Civilization: Ritual and Power before the Classic Period and Research Professor at the Middle American Research Institute at Tulane University (New Orleans, USA), Francisco will take us on a fascinating journey through his latest findings — showing how innovation, combined with human curiosity, is bringing Latin America’s hidden past back to life.
REMOTE SEEDS
Culinary anthropology: Connecting travelers to culture, one bite at a time
with Karolina Guilcapi, of Sated Ventures (USA)
Food is at the heart of every journey — and for many travelers, it’s one of the most memorable parts. In fact, according to the World Food Travel Association, as much as 35% of all tourism spending worldwide is on food and beverages. But beyond the flavors, food is a gateway to understanding people, places and traditions. Culinary anthropologist and founder of Sated Ventures, Karolina Guilcapi has made it her mission to connect travelers to the rich, layered cultures of Latin America through the universal language of food. Join her as she shares how a simple meal can become a meaningful cultural bridge and an unforgettable travel experience.
Artificial Intelligence in travel: Enhancing growth without losing the human touch
with Elizabeth Frels, of Ker & Downey (USA)
As much as we may want to fight it, AI is here to stay. The question is: how can this technology create a better experience for travelers and travel professionals without removing the human element? Ker & Downey’s Director of Product Management, Elizabeth Frels, doesn’t claim to be an AI expert, but she has learned to harness its power, using it to consistently communicate Ker & Downey’s brand story to a wider audience. In this lively, honest and collaborative conversation, we will explore how AI both succeeds and fails, specifically in the human-centered travel industry, and how we can use technology to work smarter, communicate better and keep the heart in what we do.
REMOTE PANEL
Navigating the travel supply chain: How to find the right business partners in Latin America
The panel will feature a Hotelier and different types of Travel Designers: one Tour Operator who operates B2B & B2C in the US, another who does the same in Europe, an independent Travel Advisor/IC, and a Destination Management Company (DMC). The goal here is to explore how such different players can collaborate effectively in Latin America’s complex travel landscape. We’ll discuss the process of selecting business partners, the key factors each player is looking for and how to navigate the industry’s biggest challenges.
Panel Mediator:
Marc Sison, REMOTE’s Commercial Representative, Kusini Collection (USA)
Panelists:
- Catrin Davies – Senior Product Manager, Latin Routes (Tour Operator UK)
- John Montgomery – Co-Founder, Landed Travel (Tour Operator USA)
- Julia Parapugna – Sales Director, VIK Retreats (Lodgings CHI/URU)
- Robert Borzillo – Travel Advisor/IC, Seek & Explore (USA)
- Silja Torborg – Co-Owner, Trails of Chile (DMC CHI)
REMOTE HOST
Guatemala: the cradle of the ancient – and living – Maya civilization
with Carlos Vivar, tour guide (Guatemala)
Unlike other places where ancient civilizations exist only in ruins and history books, Guatemala is a land where the Maya culture remains alive and vibrant. Over 40% of the population identify as Maya, and Carlos Vivar is proud to be one of them. He grew up climbing ancient temples and listening to the stories of his grandfather, a Maya shaman, in Uaxactún – a sacred archaeological site where the indigenous community resisted colonization and civil war. Today, Carlos is an award-winning tour guide with over two decades of experience. He’s also one of our local hosts in Antigua, inviting us to explore his remarkable homeland – from Maya astronomy and spiritual rituals to ancestral weaving and volcano adventures.
