Ecuador has presented the proposal as 'FITUR 2024 Partner Country', at the International Tourism Fair to be held from January 24 to 28 at the fairgrounds, organized by IFEMA MADRID.
The Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Niels Olsen, has stated that "FITUR 2024 is an unparalleled opportunity to show the world all the wonders that Ecuador has to offer." And he has stressed that "our commitment is to Ecuadorian families who make a living from tourism, to our natural and cultural wealth and, of course, to our visitors."
For his part, the President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, has highlighted “the relevance of this strategic alliance to carry out the promotion, presentation and comprehensive consolidation of the Ecuador destination in what will be one of the editions most powerful and representative of FITUR”.
The presence of Ecuador as a 'FITUR 2024 Partner Country' provides a significant boost to the promotion and tourism positioning of this country worldwide, thanks to the scope and projection of FITUR, currently positioned as the leading tourism fair on the circuit. international, both in terms of participation and the attendance of professionals from the five continents. All of this will further reinforce the good figures of a tourism industry that is vital for Ecuador, with sales that exceeded 3,343 million dollars until July 2023 in tourist activities, and on which more than 600,000 families depend.
Connection Bridge with Spain
As the global tourism industry looks to the future, Ecuador is positioned center stage as the FITUR 2024 Partner Country, showcasing a tourism offer rich in geographic and cultural diversity and robust air connectivity with Spain. This connection is not new; From colonial times to the present, the relationship between Spain and Ecuador has been marked by ties of brotherhood, mutual influence and deep understanding. Over the centuries, these two countries have shared not only language and cultural traditions, but also stories of migration, collaboration, and growth together.
The Spanish presence in Ecuador has left indelible marks on its architecture, gastronomy and art, while Ecuador has offered Spain its music, literature and indomitable spirit. In the field of tourism, this relationship is further reinforced: “Spanish travelers find in Ecuador a home away from home, a familiar place in its diversity and warmth, and Ecuador sees in each Spanish tourist a bridge of connection and a friend of always. This transatlantic closeness is a testament to a relationship that has flourished over time and that promises to continue growing in the future,” the Government of Ecuador points out.
Today, connectivity between Spain and Ecuador has been strengthened thanks to more than 11 weekly direct flights operated by renowned airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa and LATAM, facilitating tourist and cultural exchange between both nations.
Unmatched experience
From the high mountains of the Andes to the biodiversity of the Amazon, the sunny beaches of the Coast and the natural heritage of the Galapagos, Ecuador offers an unparalleled experience for the traveler. And Spanish tourists have taken note: the connection between both countries has maintained a firm presence with almost 75,000 annual visitors until 2023. Ecuador offers tourists coming from anywhere in the world Four unrivaled Worlds to explore:
-SIERRA: The cities of Quito and Cuenca, recognized as cultural heritage sites by UNESCO, top the list in the Andean region. However, the Sierra is much more: from the impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes to colonial haciendas that tell stories of the past and vibrant indigenous markets, it is a region of contrasts and traditions.
-AMAZON: Beyond being the lung of the world, the Ecuadorian Amazon is home to national parks such as Yasuní and Cuyabeno, and indigenous communities such as the Waorani and Shuar. It is a deep journey to the roots of nature and ancient cultures; which represents more than 43% of the continental national territory.
-COAST: With more than 1,600 km of golden beaches and mangroves, they are complemented by the greatest gastronomic variety in the country. The Coast is a feast of flavors, colors and sounds, from the modernity of Guayaquil to the tastiest corners like the new ICHE ROUTE. Finally, the Ecuadorian coast becomes a paradise for sports and adventure activities such as surfing, kayaking, paragliding and many more.
-GALAPAGOS: With 97% of its territory protected and an abundance of endemic species, Galapagos is the living testimony of Ecuador's evolution and commitment to ecotourism and sustainability. Designated as a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it is home to more than 9,000 species, of which 32% are endemic. The Galapagos exemplifies Ecuador's commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation.
Finally, Ecuador features in the UNWTO “Best Tourist Towns” program with its jewels, Angochagua and Aguarico. Angochagua, part of the Imbabura World Geopark, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich tradition, from craftsmanship to the "Roast Lamb Route". Meanwhile, Aguarico, located in the heart of protected areas such as Yasuni National Park, is a testament to indigenous Kichwa and Waorani cultures and their commitment to sustainable community tourism. These recognitions consolidate Ecuador’s position as a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism.
The ECUADOR Partner FITUR 2024 brand will be present in all the promotion of the International Tourism Fair that is being carried out on a national and international scale, as well as in all the communication generated by the fair in its different channels until its celebration, enjoying the maximum prominence.