Ecuador – one of the most amazing places on earth

Ecuador Tourism Ministry is considering including Russia in the group of priority markets. This was brought to light by the Ecuadorian Ambassador Mr. Patricio Chaves Savala during the presentation of the country’s tourist facilities. “There are good and stable political ties between our countries, and now it is time to think about tourism. And not only should we increase the inflow of Russian tourists to Ecuador, but we also want more Ecuadorians coming to Russia,” – said Mr. Ambassador.

In order to sustain our successful bilateral tourism ties many things are needed. On of them is visa-free entrance for Russians for three months. In no time the citizens of the Latin country will be able to visit Russia without a visa as well. Relevant agreements have been already signed.

The tourist flow to Ecuador is growing from year to year. Last year the country welcomed over 1.5 million foreign visitors. There were just 170 Russians among them, and around 400 Ecuadorians visited Russia.

First place in the number of arrivals to Ecuador is occupied by the USA (over 23%), neighboring Latin American countries share the second and the third. Ecuador is becoming more and more popular vacation destination with the Europeans. For instance Spain places fourth in terms of arrivals, the number of tourists from Germany and other countries is growing consistently too. Even quite a long flight from Madrid (around 10 hours) doesn’t scare away those who wish to see the “amazing place”.

This year Ecuador conducts a promotion campaign in major European cities. This includes placing the billboards on the streets and in the underground. Mr. Ambassador expressed his hope that by 2012 these activities would be carried out in Moscow. In 2011 Ecaudor authorities intend to participate in the Moscow Otdykh Trade Fair in September. The country’s Embassy is ready to give its full support to Russian tour operators in establishing contacts with Ecuadorian travel industry. 

Among the priority forms of tourism that Ecuador plans to actively develop in the near future is the beach leisure, so beloved by the Russians, as well as medical, rural and theme-park travels. These fields receive significant funding; 5-star hotels are being erected on the sea coast. Ecuador hopes to attract Russian investors to building these high-class accommodation facilities.

Tour operators that attended the meeting believe that it is quite possible to draw more Russian tourists to Ecuador. They noted the country’s safety for tourists, convenient transport infrastructure that includes modern airports. However Russian-speaking guides can only be found in the capital city of Quito. Patricio Chaves Savala assured the attendees that now when the country’s Tourism Ministry have turned attention to the Russian market this problem would be solved in no time. All the more so the Russian community in Ecuador counts over five thousand people and another several thousands have been studying in Russia. “We are also working on arranging more convenient flights via Cuba. By this August we hope to have up to five flights a week form Havana”. – added Mr. Ambassador.