In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Mateo Estrella-Durán, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador.
What are your expectations and goals for participating here at WTM London?
We have very high expectations participating here in this event, because the European market in general and the British market in particular are key for Ecuador's international tourism. The British market is our third most important international market, with a niche in ecotourism, adventure and birdwatching. And, of course, this is also a showcase for the world with several international buyers, so we are very happy and motivated with a large delegation of 22 companies accompanying this Ecuadorian stand. I believe that they are making good contacts and doing business and also projecting our image and country brand to the world.
Which destinations and regions are being promoted? Which delegations are supporting you?
We have delegations from the four regions of Ecuador: the Amazon, the Andes, the Coast and the Galapagos. So we have a very diverse proposal that represents the entire country and the excellent operations that we have in Ecuador. Ecuador has a very strong, very large business group, which I believe is an excellent representation. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism is a facilitator of private initiative, supports these initiatives and of course promotes the natural and cultural beauties that our country has.
We are coming to the end of the year. The Ministry has been very busy with promotional activities. How has it gone and what ideas do you have for the coming months?
It has been a successful year in terms of international promotion. We have fulfilled the entire international agenda. Ecuador is a country that is totally open to the world, an absolutely peaceful country, and is 100% committed to sustainability. We are not a destination for mass tourism, we are a destination for sustainable tourism, for ecotourism, nature and culture.
The balance is positive, but we expect a better recovery in 2025.
Connectivity also depends a lot on this recovery, and officials from many airlines are present here. Will you have meetings with officials from the main companies present?
Yes, we have had some, but the Ministry of Tourism is also in permanent contact with the airlines. I was just at the Alta convention last week, the Latin American Association of Airlines, where I had contact with several CEOs of some airlines and Ecuador is always working on its international air connectivity.
Ecuador has recovered 95% of its pre-pandemic levels. We are still missing a couple of routes that we are trying to recover, but others are open and we are in that perspective. We continue talking with European airlines to increase frequencies from Ecuador, talking with Latin American airlines as well so that they are present in the Ecuadorian market. This is essential for us since 90% of international visitors enter by air.