Ecuador is betting on the Colombian market and consolidating its niche tourism strategy at ANATO

What are Ecuador's goals and expectations for this edition of ANATO?

We are very happy to be in Colombia, a neighboring country with which we have a very close trade and tourism relationship. Proximity is key: flying from Quito to Bogotá takes just one hour and fifteen minutes. Colombian tourism has been very important, especially for Ecuador's northern border, with provinces like Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura, and Sucumbíos receiving many visitors.

We are here to strengthen those ties and attract more Colombian tourists. Today, more Ecuadorians are traveling to Colombia than Colombians are traveling to Ecuador, so we strategically want to strengthen our promotion in this market.

The Ecuadorian delegation has a very strong cultural and gastronomic presence. How did they organize that proposal?

We brought together 15 tour operators from all regions of the country and several destinations showcasing their culture and traditions. Among them are representatives from Quito, Morona Santiago, and cultural expressions like the Diablada of Píllaro.

We're also heavily invested in gastronomy: we have baristas showcasing Ecuadorian coffee, chocolatiers working with cacao—Ecuador is the birthplace of cacao—and chefs presenting our cuisine. It's a comprehensive offering designed to captivate both visitors and Colombian tour operators.

The private sector is key in this. The State supports and facilitates, but it is the entrepreneurs who invest and market, and we have a solid and high-quality private sector.

What outlook do you see for tourism investments?

Investment has grown very positively. In Guayaquil, new hotels are being built under brands such as InterContinental Hotels Group and Hilton, in addition to local chains like Oro Verde. A new Hilton is also under development in Quito, and a Courtyard recently opened at the airport. In Cuenca, Accor will build its first hotel in the country.

This demonstrates the confidence of international brands and a very positive outlook for the coming years.

How does air connectivity impact that growth projection?

In 2026, we expect to attract an additional 200,000 international visitors. To achieve this, we are working with airlines. American Airlines will increase flights to Guayaquil and Quito, United Airlines has increased its flights by 35%, and Aeromexico will resume operations in the country.

The United States remains our main source market, but we are also looking to strengthen the direct connection with Brazil.

Which tourism segments are currently experiencing rapid growth?

Ecuador is a niche country. We are not committed to mass tourism, but to a sustainable model with a different concept of luxury: the luxury of not being overcrowded, of visiting protected natural areas in optimal conditions, and of living alongside communities that value tourists.

Ecotourism and tourism in protected areas have great potential. So do adventure, wellness, and gastronomic tourism, especially in Manabí.

The MICE segment is also growing: Quito will host FIEXPO for three consecutive years, reinforcing its position as a meetings destination.

How does the digital nomad segment operate?

We offer a special visa for digital nomads, valid for two years and obtainable online. Ecuador has a dollarized economy, which provides stability, and it's also a small but incredibly diverse country. You can work for someone abroad while enjoying a high quality of life, exploring the Amazon, Andes, Coast, and Galapagos Islands within easy reach.

If you had to recommend three unmissable experiences in Ecuador, what would they be?

The Andean Chocó, near Quito, for its biodiversity; Cuenca, a cultural heritage site of humanity and now with a direct connection to the Galapagos; and the gastronomic experience in Manabí, on the Pacific coast.

Ecuador has a great advantage: in the same day you can have breakfast in the Amazon, lunch in the Andes and dinner on the coast.

How many days would you recommend to travel around the country?

A minimum of ten days. International tourists stay an average of 14 days, which is positive because we are one of the Latin American countries with the highest spending per visitor. That's the profile we're looking for: travelers who stay longer and have enriching experiences.