Over the past few years, the concept of sustainability has become increasingly popular. Nowadays, there are many industries aiming for it, and tourism is no exception. Travelers are becoming more environmentally conscious and aware of their impact on the destinations they choose to visit. As a result, they are becoming more demanding for sustainable tourism practices.
This trend has not gone unnoticed in the enchanting lands of Ecuador and the Galápagos. Being home to an incredible array of natural wonders, biodiverse ecosystems and hundreds of unique species, the country has embraced the sustainable tourism movement. The goal is to preserve its beautiful landscapes and biodiversity for generations to come.
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism is an approach to travel that emphasizes the importance of minimizing negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while maximizing positive contributions to local communities and ecosystems. This harmonious balance ensures that delicate environments, like the ones in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, remain intact and continue to thrive.
In the small south-American country, local communities, governments and tourism operators are working to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. In Ecuador and the Galápagos, being a conscious traveler and uncovering its wonders are two things that are not mutually exclusive.
Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Ecuadorian economy. It contributes significantly to its GDP, job creation and overall development. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector accounted for approximately 5.3% of Ecuador’s total GDP in 2019. The numbers before the pandemic show how important tourism is to Ecuador. However, the industry is still trying to recover from the effects from COVID-19.
In 2019, Ecuador received two million tourists but, specialists, believe that the country won’t be seeing similar numbers until the year 2024. Last year, Ecuador’s Hotel Federation (Ahotec) was expecting only 948,700 visitors. The loss of visitors has also impacted employment. According to Ecuador’s National Federation of Chambers of Tourism, 750,000 people were directly employed by the tourist industry in 2019. The number was drastically reduced to 520,000 by 2022.
Apart from the pandemic, Ecuador’s tourism industry has experienced several challenges. The environmental and sociocultural impact of tourism became a concern in the country. Ecuador’s fragile ecosystems, like the Galápagos Islands, are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of tourism. So sustainable tourism became an alternative to get more visitors to the beautiful landscapes Ecuador has to offer while also preserving the country’s unique ecosystems and its cultural heritage.
There are many options for sustainable tourism in Ecuador. You’ll find options all over the country, but while you’re there, there are key destinations you don’t want to miss, such as:
When it comes to sustainable tourism, Ecuador is a country that both inspires and educates. It is in this small country where people are leading and defining what sustainable tourism means, and where entrepreneurs and communities create attractive initiatives to get financial support and protect their land.
Eco-friendly accommodations built with bio architecture that use renewable energy production are one of the most popular examples of sustainable tourism in Ecuador. These accommodations make the best use they can of the environmental resources, support the local economy, offer locally-grown organic food and allow the tourists to become a part of the community they are visiting.
One of the biggest highlights of traveling sustainably is getting to know and interact the locals. This gives them the opportunity to preserve their traditions and share them with tourists from all over the world. While you’re there, you can also buy local products and support small businesses, empowering the local economy. By buying local, you’re also reducing your ecological footprint, as those products don’t involve transportation and require less packaging.
The successful promotion of sustainable tourism in Ecuador relies on efforts of both the government and the private sector. The government needs to develop policies, regulations, infrastructure and public services. It also needs to provide funding and incentives for eco-friendly projects. On the other hand, the private sector is responsible for adopting sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact and engage with local communities.
That collaboration is crucial to create an environment that fosters responsible travel, supports local economies and preserves Ecuador’s remarkable ecosystems for future generations. In this small buy beautiful country, embracing sustainable tourism is key to safeguard Ecuador’s precious natural and cultural treasures and to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences that resonate with their eco-conscious values.
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Discover how Ecuador and the Galápagos are embracing sustainable tourism practices to preserve their beautiful landscapes and unique ecosystems for generations to come.
