54 new tourist establishments received the 'Q Distinctive'. This is the name of the tourism quality and sustainability program promoted by the Municipality of Quito, through Quito Turismo, and which recognizes tourist establishments that carry out their work under principles of sustainability and quality.
This year, 168 establishments received their certificate of being part of the Distintivo Q program, including 54 new ones, 39 in 'Gold' recognition for staying more than nine years and complying with technical standards higher than 90%; 40 in 'Platinum' recognition for excellent compliance with the quality program regulations and 35 in 'Sustainable' recognition for fully complying with the parameters of the Tourism Sustainability field.
In total, there are 314 establishments that are part of the Distintivo Q program after a rigorous process that includes an internal and operational audit of the establishment, training, verification of compliance with at least 80% of the Tourism Quality Standard and approval by Quito Tourism. .
The application to the Distintivo Q program is made for establishments registered in the Tourist Establishment Cadastre System (SICET) of Quito Tourism.
This year marked the 12th anniversary of the program and it was celebrated with the delivery of plaques to the establishments that are part of it. Among the winners are food and beverage establishments, heritage stores, accommodations, tourism operations, meeting industry – venues, tourist transportation and bars and nightclubs.
Among the benefits that the members of the program have, They include:
Promotion in digital tourism media www.visitquito.ec and in the mobile app 'VisitQuito'
Training, talks and technical workshops related to the tourism industry
Technical advice on administrative and operational management of the establishment
Participation in commercial or gastronomic festivals
Dissemination in familiarization and press trips (Fam and PressTrips)< /span>Advertising campaigns of the Distintivo Q Tourism Quality program in the promotional media of Quito Tourism; and Commercial links, alliances, innovation and among other support mechanisms such as promoting quality and tourism sustainability.
Presence as a tourist destination in national and international fairs
Data:
During these 12 years of the program's existence, 585 establishments have been recognized (not certified) and have been part of the Tourism Quality program. Of these establishments, 266 establishments have withdrawn from the program voluntarily and due to various factors such as cessation of activities or non-renewal of their voluntary permanence.
In 2023, 54 tourist establishments will be incorporated, of which 24 are food and beverage establishments, 2 heritage establishments, 6 accommodations, 17 tourist service agencies – Tour operators, 1 nightclub, 2 venues (Convention Center and Reception and Banquet Hall) and 2 tourist transports.