Ecuador has revealed a new strategy to promote European tourism, with a particular emphasis on increasing its number of visitors from the United Kingdom. As part of the strategy, Ecuador will position itself as a sustainable tourism destination, centred around its diverse nature and adventure, gastronomy and culture, rural and community-based tourism offering. The tourism board is keen to work closely with tour operators and travel agents this year to increase sales to the destination and generate more visibility to local business.
According to official reports, arrivals for inbound tourism to Ecuador has recovered significantly post-pandemic, with the UK ranking second based on variables such as tourist spending and connectivity to Ecuador. In 2022, British tourists spent approximately £1510 on average during stays of around 8 days.
As of February 2023, Ecuador has also recuperated 84% of its international connections with Europe, compared to March 2020. There are currently 288 direct weekly frequencies operating 25 routes connecting 16 international destinations, including flights from Madrid and Amsterdam to Guayaquil and Quito with Avianca, KLM, Iberia and LATAM Airlines.
To raise awareness of the country as a sustainable tourist destination and increase UK visitor numbers, Ecuador will partner with important travel agent associations and networks in the UK, and create marketing spaces between the local tourism industry, represented by Ecuadorian entrepreneurs, and international buyers from the UK. Ecuador will also showcase its tourism proposition at several trade shows, fairs and tourism promotion events in the coming months.
This includes exhibiting at two major trade tourism events. World Travel Market (WTM), one of the biggest annual events in the tourism calendar, and LATA Expo; the largest B2B event in Europe aimed at promoting sustainable tourism to and around Latin America. For 2023 LATA Expo will be celebrating its 10th anniversary edition and Ecuador’s presence will be greater than ever.
Ecuador will also exhibit at the National Geographic Food Festival, a consumer event enabling visitors to discover a variety of destinations through gastronomy. Here, visitors will experience the country’s local and traditional dishes, popular festivals, and authentic recipes, from the Galapagos, the Amazon, the Andes and its diverse coastal areas first-hand.
The discovery of the Cacao bean, and new Ecuadorian cocoa products, produced by República del Cacao, will also be celebrated, with exclusive chocolate making workshops on offer at Ecuador’s stand. Neils Olsen, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism says: “In a post-pandemic era, tourists are looking to beat the crowds; seeking destinations that offer increased contact with nature, as well as innovative experiences that cater for cultural immersion and biodiversity.
Ecuador is ready and raring to meet this demand, which is why we’re delighted to be launching this new strategy in the European market. Whilst positioning ourselves as a sustainable tourism destination, our aim is to attract more conscious British travellers who want to travel in a slower and more mindful way and immerse themselves in our unique culture, heritage and outdoor activities”
