Key Takeaways
- Quito Turismo and Ecuador focus on welcoming tourists, notably from North America, to revive the tourism industry.
- Ecuador’s Tourism Board appoints ‘Global Marketing & Sales (GMS)’ as its US and Canada marketing ally for a stronger market presence.
- Quito witnesses a substantial surge in tourist visits, accommodations, transport, and sales growth, indicating a positive tourism rebound.
- The capital, known for its UNESCO heritage and diverse landscapes, remains a sought-after destination in South America.
Quito, Ecuador–As many countries gear up for tourists again, Quito Turismo and the tourism sector of Ecuador have been making efforts to promote and welcome the international community back into the country.
Ecuador’s Tourism Rejuvenation Efforts
According to a report by Travel Pulse, visitors from North American neighbors, the US and Canada, are vital for the tourism industry in Ecuador. The Ecuador Tourism Board have appointed ‘Global Marketing & Sales (GMS)’ as their regional marketing partner for the region.
“We’re excited to have a strong PR and sales arm in the U.S. and Canada,” said Minister of Tourism Niels Olsen, while speaking with Travel Pulse. “We’ll leverage GMS’ expertise and dynamism to reinforce our presence and gain a competitive edge.
Olsen added that the US and Canada are “two strategic markets for Ecuador” that have shown a positive recovery for 2022.
Reports after the second quarter of 2022 show that 48,000 people visited the city in August alone, a 75% increase in tourist footfall compared to the same period last year.
According to data from the SRI (Ecuadorian tax administration agency), accommodations reported an increase of 83%, tourist transport by 59%, tour operators by 39%, and food and beverage establishments by 19% growth in sales. The ‘Hotel Occupancy Rate (HOR)’ grew by 47%, compared to 20% in 2021.
South America has historically been a hotspot for tourism due to its landscape and its relatively cheap cost of living. Quito, or, more formally, San Francisco de Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is among the most popular vacation destinations worldwide.
Quito: Jewel of Ecuador’s Tourism
The ancient Incan city is located in the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 2850m. Known as being among the first sites to be added to the ‘UNESCO World Heritage List,’ it is famous for its well-preserved architecture from the 1500s.
The Latin American country is considered the ‘cultural capital of South America.’ It is also called the “country of four worlds” due to its four worlds of diversity — the Amazon, the coast, the highlands, and the las Islas Galápagos.
What We Think
Ecuador’s concerted efforts to attract tourists, particularly from North America, coupled with Quito’s cultural richness and natural beauty, position it well for a tourism resurgence.
The reported surge in visitor numbers and associated industry growth metrics signal a promising revival, reflecting Ecuador’s appeal as a diverse and captivating travel destination.
Read more in this report.
