Rapid growth of tourism in Bocas del Toro provides economic opportunity for native and indigenous communities, but only if they are supported with the vocational and language skills to succeed in the expanding hospitality industry. The Back Bay Project’s support is the foundation for a community-led, environmental and culturally responsible tourism industry for years to come. We operate both in the US and Panama, and are a Florida registered nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 84-2700332) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A key pillar of our program relies on US and global skilled hospitality volunteers, educational institutions, and hospitality companies to share knowledge, insight, and experience with the program trainee’s, forming a global network of hospitality professionals, and giving our organization an avenue to fund key training programs. We strive to ensure that volunteers not only provide meaningful insight and experience for our trainee’s, but also to provide volunteers with a rich cultural experience increasing their global awareness and appreciation. Our founders are a group of passionate, like-minded hospitality professionals with a shared love for the community of Bocas del Toro and a desire to contribute positively to the future of this beautiful, bio-diverse place. We hope to provide a foundation for the Bocas hospitality community to build a future of tourism, ensuring the conservation and protection of their culture and environment.