Quito was recognized for having the Best Meeting and Romance Tourism Promotion Entity

The awards ceremony took place in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, on July 30. It was also announced that Ecuador's capital will host this important event in 2026, consolidating its leadership in meetings and romance tourism in the region.

The selection was made by a panel of national and international judges, based on criteria that value excellence, innovation, and quality standards in the sector. The event's main objective is to highlight suppliers, build consumer trust, foster competitiveness, and contribute to industry growth.

The Latin American Wedding Awards (LAWA Awards) are an annual award recognizing excellence in more than 30 categories in the wedding and events industry, as well as in romance and meetings tourism throughout Latin America. Founded in Colombia, the 6th edition was held in 2025.

Quito's participation in LAWA also included its presence at the international business roundtable and on the event's red carpet, strengthening ties with tour operators and specialized agencies. In this sixth edition of the awards, the Quito delegation actively promoted the city as a prime location for romance and meeting tourism, sharing experiences with representatives from various countries such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and even Russia.

Quito has the largest and best-preserved historic center in Latin America, a wide diversity of flora and fauna, and a climate privileged by its geographical location. It is a city with a special charm, located in the center of the world. Furthermore, the capital boasts a solid infrastructure for this type of tourism: from convents, museums, restaurants, hotels, and natural spaces, which position it as an ideal destination for celebrating special occasions, such as weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, or even engagement parties.

These achievements are part of an internationalization strategy driven by the Municipality of Quito, which aims to diversify the city's offerings and position it as a competitive destination compared to traditional powers in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.

Things to keep in mind:

According to the Destination Weddings and Events Association (ABED), eight out of ten weddings held in Ecuador are between foreigners. Sometimes, one of the two is Ecuadorian.

Weddings held in our country are more affordable than those held abroad. Couples also choose to get married in Ecuador due to the wide variety of landscapes and natural, cultural, and culinary attractions, making them ideal for this type of event.

Romance tourism in Ecuador is developing. These events are expected to generate at least $2 million annually, and the short-term goal is to reach $50 million annually. Nationally, Quito is one of the favorite destinations for romance tourism event organizers due to the beauty of its historic center, especially its colonial churches, which are popular for weddings, and the quality of its services.

Globally, destination weddings generated $36.22 billion in revenue in 2024, according to data from Research and Markets, and this figure is projected to rise to $47.69 billion in 2025. This growing trend represents an opportunity to boost productive linkages and position Quito and Ecuador as a benchmark in tourism internationally.

Source: Quito Tourism.