Tourism Investment Guide by Ministerio de Turismo

GOBIERNO NACIONAL DE LA REPĂ&#x161;BLICA DEL

CONTACT CONTACTS: DETAILS

Ministry of Ministry: Tourism: (MINTUR) Tourism www.mintur.gob.ec www.turismo.gob.ec infoinversiones@turismo.gob.ec www.ecuador.travel servicios.turismo.gob.ec infoinversiones@turismo.gob.ec Coordinating Ministry of Production, Employment and Competitiveness (MCPEC) www.creecuador.ec Coordinating Ministry of Production,

ccoronel@mcpec.gob.ec Employment and Competitiveness (MCPEC) www.mcpec.gob.ec

Table of Contents Prologue: Foreign investment, a vector of economic development

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today there is a growing understanding around the world, and especially in Latin America, that the alliance between countries that are strong, efficient, active and transparent, and private sectors that are responsible and committed to the wellbeing of society, constitutes the basis for productive and economic development that is harmonious and holistic; the ethiconomy - ethics and economics - which places human beings at its centre, as its reason to be, and reminds us that human beings are not just another factor in production, they are in itself the purpose of production". Address by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Rafael Correa Delgado, at the opening of the World Business Forum Latin America 2010â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Guayaquil, 30th November 2010. Rafael Correa Delgado, President of Ecuador

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

Location in the World ECUADOR



Located in the northwest of South America, straddling the equator, an exceptional geostrategic position (the port of Manta is the point of South America which is closest to the Asian ports).



It is the centre of America and, as such, the equidistant axis with markets such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, the United States and Canada.



Thanks to the proximity of the Panama Canal, Ecuador is an economic stopping point for accessing European and Middle East markets.

From

Distance

Quito

Buenos Aires

4,353 kilometres

Quito

Canberra

13,689 kilometres

Quito

México City

3,130 kilometres

Quito

Doha

13,968 kilometres

Quito

Hong Kong

17,193 kilometres

Quito

Londres

9,218 kilometres

Quito

Madrid

8,741 kilometres

Quito

New York

4,575 kilometres

Quito

Riyad

13,533 kilometres

Quito

Rio de Janeiro

4,570 kilometres

London New York Hong Kong

Madrid Riyad Doha

Mexico city

Rio de Janeiro

Canberra

Buenos Aires

High value strategic and geographical position

Carchi

Esmeraldas

WORLDS

Imbabura

Galápagos

Sucumbíos

Pichincha Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas Napo

Orellana

Cotopaxi

Manabí

Los Ríos

Tungurahua Bolívar

Pastaza

Chimborazo

Guayas Santa Elena

Galapagos:

Cañar

One of the greatest natural laboratories in the world

Morona Santiago

Azuay

El Oro

Zamora Chinchipe Loja

Coast:

640 km of continental coastline Andes:

The Andean range favours the development of exceptional tourism products Amazon:

For centuries, a cy" for

Km of Amazonia

over 4,000m

1,640

Bird species

species

Indigenous groups

324

Protected areas

Orchid

Plant

Plant species in

4,200

15,901

800

350 Reptile

Outstanding facts

122,545

Volcanoes

"natural pharmaits indigenous

species

Mammal

400 Amphibian species

4,173 Species of

species

Sites declared World Heritage 

Historical Centre of Quito



Historical Centre of Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca



Huge Ethnocultural 9

Galapagos Archipelago

Source: Website of the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador

57.98

4,003

TOTAL GDP (billion $ 2010)

GDP PER CAPITA ($ 2010)

14.5 Million POPULATION (2010)

9.7%

AVERAGE GDP GROWTH

5.1%

UNEMPLOYMENT 2011

5.3%

INFLATION IN 2011

USD

CURRENCY

Source: INEC and Central Bank of Ecuador

Why invest in the country?

     

Economic stability Political stability High fiscal incentives Great natural attractions Internationally connected Major investments in infrastructure

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

A stable economy

The GDP at constant prices in 2000 in Ecuador reached 24.9 billion USD in 2010. This has shown a continuous positive trend since 2005, with average annual growth of 3.6% between 2005 and 2010. In terms of sectors, the service sector contributes with n e a r l y 5 8 % o f t h e total GDP production, followed by industry (36%) and agriculture (6%).

The provinces that most contribute to the national GDP are Guayas and Pichincha, which shows its economic dynamism. The GDP per capita at constant prices increased by 2.1% between 2005 and 2010 from USD 1,587 per capita up to USD 1,759.

GDP growth (2005 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2010 , % per annuum)

7,20% 4,80% 3,60% 2,00% 0,40% 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Economic Comission for Latin America and the Caribbean

Ecuador has experienced annual non-oil growth of 4.5% between 2007 and 2010

10,1% 8,0%

7,1% 6,8% 6,4% 6,2%

4,5% 4,1% 3,6% 3,5%

Source: Economic Comission for Latin America and the Caribbean

2,5% 2,0%

1,0% 0,5% 0,4%

A stable economy

The unemployment rate has fallen significantly in Ecuador in the last five years from 10.7% in 2005 to 5.0% in 2011

10,7% 10,1%

2005

2006

8,8%

2007

7,3%

7,9%

2008

2009

6,1%

5,0%

2010

2011

INEC Nacional (National Statistics Institute of Ecuador) Fuente:Source: Instituto de EstadĂstica del Ecuador

8,4%

Inflation has significantly decreased since a peak of 8.4% in 2008 and reached 5.3% in 2011 showing a trend towards stabilization and price control

4,4% 3,4%

2005

2,7%

2006

4,2%

2007

2008

2009

5,3% 3,2%

2010

2011

Fuente: Instituto Nacional de EstadĂstica del Ecuador Source: INEC (National Statistics Institute of Ecuador)

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

A growing market

2,80%

2,50%

2,40%

2,30%

2013E

2014E

2015E

2016E

Annual GDP growth between 2.3% and 3.2% is expected from 2011 to 2016, confirming the positive growth trend 2012E

Source: International Monetary Fund

3,1%

Inflation will undergo a downward stabilisation from 3.4% to 3.0% annually from 2013 until 2016. 2012E

3,0%

2013E

2014E

2015E

2016E

Source: International Monetary Fund

A growing market

The prospects for the future show the stabilisation of unemployment at le ve ls cl ose to those of 2010 (7.6%) for the 2011-2016 period

7,5%

2012E

2013E

2014E

2015E

2016E

Source: International Monetary Fund

The Ecuadorian population has a c l e a r growt h t re nd and is forecast to reach 15 million by 2014 and 17 million in 2025

14,6

2011E

14,8

2012E

14,9

2013E

2014E

15,2

2015E

15,4

2016E

Source: INEC (National Statistics Institute of Ecuador)

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

Inbound Tourism

Structure of arrivals

Individual tourists

27%

21%

29%

Package Tours Individual tourist groups

23%

Other Source: Euromonitor International 2010

International tourism is primarily distributed in three seasons:  High: July and August  Average: January, February, June, November and December  Low: March, April, May, September and October International touris m Colombia and Peru

primarily

comes

from

three

countries:

United

States,

Ecuador currently offers many advantages for the international tourist:  A safe and well preserved environment  A competitive tourism industry  Few restrictions on entry to the country  Refunds of VAT (value added tax)  Very competitive air industry Two major tourist segments are differentiated:  Leisure: Growing, thanks to improvements in the marketing of Ecuador as a destination. Continued growth is expected.  Businesses: Higher growth than leisure tourism thanks to economic recovery. Good prospects linked to a forecast of growth.

Internal Tourism

Infrastructure

Road, Km/h Vía 5050 km/h Road, Km/h Vía 7070 km/h Vía 100km/h Road, 100 Km/h Airport Aeropuerto Port Puerto

Source: Ministry of Transportation

Domestic Tourism has grown 7% in 2010 thanks to the recovery of the economy and the government's commitment to tourism. Domestic tourism is divided into two segments:  Leisure: Varies depending on inflation, income and social status.  Business: Has very high growth rate. Quito and Guayaquil account for 41% of internal travel. Most of this is motivated by business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) In terms of leisure, domestic tourists prefer short stays during public holidays in coastal destinations and in the main cities of the country Ecuador has:   

4 international airports and 13 major national airports 4 Major Ports 8,780.50 km of State Road Network

Future prospects

Inbound Tourism

Very positive due to a mix of public and private initiatives at various levels of the value chain of the tourism sector   

In the medium term (2015), future visits are expected to grow by 42% in cumulative terms The new international airport in Quito will contribute to the creation of new routes and connections Major government efforts for the international promotion and development of ecotourism and luxury tourism, with special emphasis on the "Four Worlds"

Internal Tourism The government will continue to focus on promoting domestic tourism and the number of domestic trips is expected to grow 31% by 2015   

Ecotourism Growth Tourism infrastructure development in the coastal zone (Esmeraldas, Manabí and Guayas) Thanks to improvements in road and air infrastructure is easier, travelling is less expensive and the target market is larger

Real estate demand

There is a growing demand for primary residences due to population growth and the reduction of household size. Expansion of projects to meet the growing demand for second homes for:  

Residents of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca looking for areas near the sea for holiday purposes International market which has the time for long stays in the country and the economic resources to invest

Type of home required by the international market:    

Average occupancy of 6 months per year Small, easy to mantain and safe Gated neighbourhoods Modern and colonial style

International buyers seek lower prices than in their home countries and are attracted by the climate and services of the country.

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

Introduction

â&#x20AC;&#x153; T o a t t r a c t p r i va t e i n ve s t m e n t t h e r e m u s t b e g o o d h i g h w a ys , e l e c t r i c i t y , efficient ports and airports, an up to date telephone system; quality education and health services, a government that reduces red tape; and this is precisely what we are doing, this is called systemic competitiveness. Also, we have an inventory of projects, perfectly identified to guide any investor who wants to come to Ecuador."

Rafael Correa Delgado,

President of Ecuador

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

Priority sectors of activity

Fresh and processed food

Tourism

Petrochemical

Agroforestry

Renewable energies

Clothing and footwear

Metalworking

Software

Automotion

Pharma

Logistics

Plastic and rubber

Important commitment to the development of touris m as economic dynamisation of the country along     

an axis for the 5 main axes:

Sustainability Conservation Knowledge of natural and cultural heritage Promotion of community tourism Nature tourism

Transversal vision: Each Ministry carries out actions within its competence to improve the sector. Tax incentives for priority sectors (specified on page 31).

National Investor Support Programme

ProEcuador is the Institute for Promotion of Exports and Investments, part of the Foreign Ministry, with responsibility for enacting the policies and norms for the promotion of exports and investments in the country, in order to foster Ecuador's offer of products, markets and stakeholders, encouraging strategic insertion in foreign trade, through the following main areas of activity: 

Commercial Intelligence: Support in the identification of the opportunities for businesses focused on the leading sectors of the Ecuadorian economy.



Investment Promotion: Carrying out activities to attract public or private investments that contribute added value to the country.



Services Team: A support team that responds to the needs that arise in the process of preinvestment, monitoring and reinvestment.



Export Promotion: Promotion of exports coordinating with public and private institutions and facilitating contact between Ecuadorian exporters and international entrepreneurs.

Productive Tourism Business Programme

The programme seeks to strengthen the production of business tourism through: 

Specialised technical support in project management: Preparation of a business plan, strategic basis which will guide the successful development of the project.



Technical support specialised in management of credit with Public Bank bodies: once determined how much capital is required, the goal is to obtain a loan from the Public Bank.



Technical Validation of projects prior to obtaining credit through Public Bank

Summary of fiscal incentives

Incentive

Objective

Sector

Tax

Code of the Production

Reduction of the IT (income tax) tax rate from 25% to 22% in the coming three years

General tax benefit

All

Yes

Deductions for creating new jobs

Foster the increase of employment (Between 1 and 5 years)

All

Yes

VAT refund (Value Added Tax) to foreigners

Promotion to the investment

All

Yes

Accelerated depreciation (with prior application) on assets with durability under five years

Investment support measure

All

Existing

Stability for the Incentives with investment contract, up to 15 years, extendable once

Investment support measure

All

Yes

Exemption of the COT (Currency Outflow Tax) for external funding of more than 1 year

Investment support measure

All

COT

Yes

Ease of payments of tariffs and VAT in the import of capital assets

Investment support measure

All

Tariffs + VAT

Yes

Exemption of the IT for productive investments in priority sectors, for 5 years from the time they generate income

Investment support measure

Priority sectors

Yes

Additional deduction of the investment in machinery and equipment that generate cleaner production

Fostering of a cleaner production

All

Yes

Additional deductions for the calculation of the IT, by expenditures made in technical training, expenditures in the improvement of production, international development, within the legal framework

Investment support measure

Medium Enterprises

Yes

Exemption from withholding of the IT levying the interests of the payments of foreign credit, provided they are not sourced from tax havens

Reduction of the Cost of Credit

Financial System

Yes

Deferral of the advance payment of IT for the first 5 years

Support to the capital contribution

All

IT and Advances

Yes

Exemption of the advance payment of IT for the first 5 years.

Investment support measure

All

Yes

Permanent reduction in the income tax rate, of 5% percentage points, for Administrators and Operators of the SEDZ (Special Economic Development Zone)

Investment support measure

SEDZ

Yes

Permanent exemption of VAT, for administrators Investment and operators of the SEDZ support measure

SEDZ

VAT

Yes

Exemption of tariffs for imports made to the SEDZ

Investment support measure

SEDZ

Tariffs

Yes

Tax credit for local purchases of inputs and raw materials for operators and administrators of the SEDZ

Investment support measure

SEDZ

VAT

Yes

Ecuador at a glance

A stable economy

A growing market

Tourism: An emerging economic sector

A committed government

Tourism Destinations and the Investment Opportunity

Tourism Destinations in Ecuador

ď&#x201A;ˇ The country has been divided into a list of 10 tourism destinations (provinces that form these are in brackets) and 2 Metropolitan Districts

based on their tourism offer and attractiveness.

Province of Esmeraldas—DTR Costa Norte

Population

491,168

Natural World

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

3.03%(1)

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

8.6%(2)

Tourism business opportunity

Conventions resort Beach hotels (1) 2007 Data. Source: National Statisitics Institute of Ecuador (2) 2011 Data. Source: Tourism Ministry, Market Intelligence Department

General description

Tourism profile



 

Esmeraldas is one of Ecuador's main ports and one of the most economically dynamic areas of the country. The province has its main attractions in two areas. The northern part of Esmeraldas is home to the Cayapas Mataje ecological reserve, with the tallest mangroves in the world, while the province's many beaches are found in the south. The Sol de Oro of the Central Bank of Ecuador was found in the province. Relics of the ancient Tolita people, excellent goldsmiths and potters, are also found here.

The province receives a massive flow of tourists in the beach season, due to its established offer of sun and sand products. On the other hand, high spending tourism is becoming more important in the province as well as business tourism, attracted by the dynamism emerging in the coastal areas.

Province of

Manabí—Costa Centro

Population

1,369,780

Natural World

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

5.38%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

19.2%

Tourism business opportunity

Marina Ecolodge

General description

Tourism profile



Manabí is located in the central northwest of Ecuador. The city of Manta is one of the most active fishing centres in the country. Cliffs, estuaries, estuaries, islands and islets make up the 350 km of beaches in this province Along this exceptional coastline, there are numerous salt water and freshwater spa resorts. The Machalilla National Park features archaeological remains of the Manteña and Machalilla cultures.

Manabí's main attraction is its extensive coastline, so visitors primarily look for sun and beach tourism. However, the province offers a wide range of possibilities for ecotourism, adventure tourism, business tourism and cruises.

Province of Santa Elena—DTR Costa Sur

Population

Natural World

308,693

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

N/D

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.1%

Tourism business opportunity

Beach resort Second residences

General description

Tourism profile



The province of Santa Elena, the youngest in the country, was established in 2007 when it separated from the province of Guayas. It has cultural, ancient, and archaeological elements that are national heritage but its main attraction lies in the many beaches along its coastline. The areas of Salinas and Montanita are famous for their surfing.

A destination characterised by its sun and sand appeal, with massive presence of domestic tourists and becoming positioned as a new destination for international tourists.

Province of Guayas—DTR Costa Sur

Population

3,645,483

Natural World

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

26.79%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

49.8%

Tourism business opportunity

Beach hotels Conventions centre

General description

Tourism profile



Located on the southwest coast of Ecuador, it is the country's most dynamic province. The capital, Guayaquil, is the most important financial, commercial and industrial centre in the country. The main activities of the province are industry and tourism thanks to its beaches which are internationally famous. The Island has been declared a RAMSAR Site for the preservation of the wetlands and its aquatic birds.

The main tourism attraction of the province is sun and beach tourism, located in coastal areas, but there is huge potential for development of business tourism and rural tourism. Also developed have been a series of tour routes based on characteristic elements such as cocoa, sugar and rice.

Province of Los Ríos—DTR Costa Sur

Population

778,115

Natural World

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

3.07%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

1.3%

Tourism business opportunity

Rural hotel, recreational sites

General description

Tourism profile



The name to this province comes from the large number of rivers that cross the region. Due to its geographical characteristicsis, it is one of Ecuador's most important agricultural centres and its increasing industrial development make it the country's fourth most populated province.

The wide range of agro-tourism farms in the province makes it a potential focus for the development of this sector. The large number of rivers that cross the region can be exploited to offer river tours.

Province of El Oro—DTR Costa Sur

Population

600,659

Natural World

COAST

% Added Value generated for the country

2.93%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

7.4%

Tourism business opportunity

Beach hotels

General description

Tourism profile



 

The Oro is characterised by having two differentiated zones. The plains of the Northwest, where bananas are grown and where the capital Machala is located - known as "the banana capital of the world." The Southeast, crossed by the Andes Mountains, is home to the gold mines from which the province takes its name. Zaruma, main city in the southeast, is considered part of the country's National Heritage. The use of guaiacum and cedar timber and bamboo cane are notable in its colonial architecture. The Oro is home to the Puyango Petrified Forest, fossil site and the largest area of exposed petrified wood in South America.

The most important tourism sector in the province is business tourism, which has significant potential for development, as well as agrotourism.

Province of Loja—DTR Frontera Sur

Population

448,966

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

1.90%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

4.6%

Tourism business opportunity

Hotels Ecolodge

General description

Tourism profile



 

Loja is located south of the main Ecuadorian range and is the largest province of the Andes. It has elements that are part of the cultural and natural heritage of Ecuador such as the historic centre of Loja, Vilcabamba, known for the longevity of its inhabitants, or the indigenous village Saraguro. It is also home to one of the largest dry tropical forests in the world. The province is known for its stunning painted tile murals, frescos and statues. Part of the Podocarpus National Park falls within Loja.

Loja is a destination visited by both domestic and international tourists attracted by its cultural and natural offer. The province favours the development of ecotourism, bird watching and cultural tourism activities.

Province of Azuay—DTR Austro

Population

727,127

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

4.89%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

19.2%

Tourism business opportunity

2nd, residences Rural Lodges

General description

Tourism profile



The province is situated in the south of Ecuador, in the Andean range. The Historical Centre of Cuenca has been declared a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO Also known as the “Athens of Ecuador”, its historic centre is characterised by majestic colonial architecture. Azuay is known for its handmade products such as hats and jewellery. The province has 9 National Parks, among them Cajas and Sajay.

The tourism offer is structured around cultural tourism of the city's heritage as well as nature and adventure tourism. It is recognised internationally as an ideal retirement and second residence destination.

Province of Zamora Chinchipe—DTR Frontera Sur

Population

91,376

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

0.25%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.3%

Tourism business opportunity

Ecolodge

General description

Tourism profile



Zamora Chinchipe is located in the south eastern part of the country. Its mountainous orography makes it unique and different from other Amazon provinces. It has great biodiversity in its flora and fauna, as well as spectacular rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. Different ethnic groups live there and it features an impressive archeological heritage. The Podocarpus National Park, with enormous diversity and high endemism, occupies a part of the province.

Tourism in Zamora Chinchipe is primarily nature tourism and also has the potential to develop bird watching.

Province of Cañar—DTR Austro

Population

225,184

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

1.01%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.9%

Tourism business opportunity

Rural Hotel F&B

General description

Tourism profile



Cañar province is considered as the country's leading archeological area. The Ingapirca ruins, an old inca solar and lunar observatory, make up the most important archeological site in Ecuador. The Laguna de las Culebrillas is a place with mythical associations. According to religious tradition it is inhabited by the the leoquina, the snake which gave birth to the Cañar people, who once made this area their home.

Due to its proximity to Cuenca, tourism to Cañar is characterised as excursionbased peripheral tourism based around visits to archeological sites.

Province of Chimborazo—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

458,581

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

1.65%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

5.6%

Tourism business opportunity

Adventure resort

General description

Tourism profile



 

Province of Bolívar—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

183,641

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

0.58%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.4%

Tourism business opportunity

Lodge

General description

Tourism profile



Province of Tungurahua—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

504,583

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

2.61%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

15.9%

Tourism business opportunity

Adventure resort

General description

Tourism profile



Tungurahua, located in the centre of the country, is the gateway to the Amazon. Baños de Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua, is one of the most important tourist destinations in the country due to the great variety of tourism supply in the area. Many adventure sports can be practiced there and it is the starting point for those who want to climb to the summit of the volcano. The city is home to many hot springs with healing properties. The Sangay and Llanganates National Parks cover a large amount of its territory.

Tungurahua Tourism is focused mainly on the activities of adventure and religious tourism, attracted by the thermal springs in the city of Baños.

Province of Cotopaxi—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

409,205

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

1.71%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

4.4%

Tourism business opportunity

Ecolodges, lodging In urban areas

General description

Tourism profile



 

The name of the province is due to the largest and most important volcano of the territory, classified as one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The Cotopaxi National Park is known for its stunning nature, sheltering lagoons, forests, trails and glaciers. The Quilotoa Lagoon, located in the crater of the volcano with the same name, is known for its emerald green water, which varies according to the season.

Cotopaxi has good tourism potential as thanks to attractions such as the volcano Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, the history train, numerous handcraft markets, cuisine and traditional festivals.

Prov. of

S. Domingo de los Tsáchilas—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

410,937

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

N/D

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

2.6%

Tourism business opportunity

Rural Hotel

General description

Tourism profile



The province of Santo Domingo, founded in 2007, acts as link between the coast and the Andes. It stands out for its strong trading sector and as the largest cattle market in the country. Its impressive natural environment and its indigenous communities are the main attractions of Santo Domingo. The indigenous Tsáchilas people live in the province. They are characterised by their clothes and their distinctive helmet-shaped hairstyles.

Considered as an emerging destination, tourists visiting Santo Domingo go there attracted by the opportunities for adventure tourism and for getting to know indigenous communities through community tourism.

Province of Pichincha—DTR Sierra Centro

Population

2,576,287

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

26.07%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

65.9%

Tourism business opportunity

Ecolodge, urban boutique , business hotel

General description

Tourism profile



Located in the north of the country, its includes the city of Quito, capital of Ecuador. Quito, declared a World Cultural Heritage city by UNESCO, contains most of the country's governmental, cultural and commercial bodies. Pichincha also offers attractions such as the Cayambe volcano or the valley of Mindo, a region in the north of the province known as "País de las Aves". The province includes the National Parks of Cayambe Coca and Cotopaxi.

Tourism in Pichincha mostly derives from visitors who come to the national captial Quito, and thus it has great potential for cultural tourism. However, the attractions of the province also favour adventure tourism, bird watching or ecotourism.

Province of Imbabura—DTR Sierra Norte

Population

398,244

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

1.73%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

13.2%

Tourism business opportunity

Conventions centre Rural Hotel

General description

Tourism profile



 

Imbabura is also called the "Province of Lakes" because of the large number of lakes within its territory. It has cultural and natural elements considered as national treasures such as lagoons, waterfalls, historic centres, a high percentage of indigenous people (Otovalos, Kichwa, etc), making it a very well known destination. The province features a significant local fabric industry The Cayambe-Coca National Park and Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve are located here.

The province attracts visitors because of its cultural offer and its many natural elements. It is also being developed as a destination for trade fairs and conventions, to be boosted in the near future by the creation of the City of Knowledge.

Province of Carchi—DTR Sierra Norte

Population

164,524

Natural World

ANDES

% Added Value generated for the country

0.65%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

5.6%

Tourism business opportunity

Rural Lodge

General description

Tourism profile

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The landscape and the richness of the land are the main attractions of this province bordering Colombia. The city of San Gabriel, declared a national heritage resource, has centuries-old houses and impressive waterfalls. On the other hand, Tulcán Cemetery, with its sculpturally shaped cypress trees which convert the cemetery into a palace, is considered as a modern wonder. The Natural Reserve El Angel is known for its abundant flora and fauna and for being home to a wide variety of endemic species. Many of its plants have defense mechanisms against the cold.

Tourism in this province is characterised by being nature tourism and recreation, also oriented towards cross-border tourism.

Province of Sucumbíos—DTR Amazonía Norte

Population

176,472

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

5.92

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.7%

Tourism business opportunity

Luxury Ecolodge

General description

Tourism profile

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The province of Sucumbios is characterised by its beautiful Amazonian landscapes and spectacular virgin forest. The Cuyabeno Reserve, a place with a great biodiversity, is located in the province. The indigenous Cofanes, Secoyas and Sionas people live in the province.

Tourism in Sucumbíos is entirely structured around the Cuyabeno Reserve. This is eco-tourism oriented towards the province's virgin forest and its different rivers. There is enormous potential for ecotourism, scientific tourism and birdwatching.

Province of Orellana—DTR Amazonía Norte

Population

136,396

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

7.61%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

1.3%

Tourism business opportunity

Luxury Ecolodge River Cruises

General description

Tourism profile

 Orellana es una de las provincias más nuevas, creada en 1998. Pertenece a la

 La zona está internacionalmente reconocida gracias al Parque Nacional Yasuní.

región amazónica y su principal atractivo es el Parque Nacional Yasuní, declarado Reserva de la Biosfera por la UNESCO. El parque, fundamentalmente selvático, forma parte del territorio en el que se encuentra alojado el pueblo Huaorani y alberga una amplia biodiversidad de especies.  En la provincia habitan indígenas de las culturas Huaorani, Schuar y Quichua.

Presenta grandes oportunidades para el desarrollo de ecolodges de lujo y embarcaciones o cruceros fluviales que permitan aprovechar el recurso de los ríos.

Province of Napo—DTR Amazonía Norte

Population

103,697

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

0.67%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

4.2%

Tourism business opportunity

Ecolodge

General description

Tourism profile

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Napo, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, boasts a privileged geographical position. Very close to Quito, it runs from the eastern part of the Andean cordillera before dropping into the heart of the Amazon plain. It is home to many lagoons and its mountainous geography means that it contains three river basins: those of the rivers Misahuallí, Napo, and Quijos. The Gran Sumaco and Cayambe Coca National Parks are located in the province as well as the Papallacta Hot Springs. The Amazon rainforest of Napo is inhabited by many indigenous communities.

The destination is characterised by adventure tourism and ecotourism, facilitated by its proximity and good links to Quito. It has potential to develop luxury and first class hotels.

Province of Pastaza—DTR Amazonía Norte

Population

83,933

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

0.98%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

2.3%

Tourism business opportunity

Adventure lodging

General description

Tourism profile

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The province of Pastaza is the largest province in Ecuador. Located in the Amazon area, the Pastaza River, source of the province's name, separates it from the province of Morona Santiago to the south. Known for its amazing landscapes, natural beauty and vast tropical forest, the province offers visitors the opportunity to meet and engage with indigenous communities living there, such as the Schuar. Sangay National Park occupies part of the territory of Pastaza.

Tourists who visit Pastaza are mainly attracted by the opportunity to practice adventure tourism and its community tourism, which allows them to explore indigenous communities.

Province of Morona Santiago—DTR Amazonia Centro

Population

147,940

Natural World

AMAZON

% Added Value generated for the country

0.32%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

0.3%

Tourism business opportunity

Rural Lodge

General description

Tourism profile

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Morona Santiago is located in the Amazonian region of the country. There are two different areas in the region. On one side is the pre-Amazon zone, formed by numerous valleys, while on the other is the Amazon zone, consisting of a triangle located between the Kutucu range, the Pastaza River and extending to the east. The territory is inhabited by the indigenous group Shuar which has an ancient warrior tradition. Morona Santiago is one of three Ecuadorian provinces containing part of the Sangay National Park.

The main tourism attraction of the province is its wide variety of natural landscapes, creating significant potential for the development of nature tourism.

Province of Galápagos—DTR Galápagos

Population

Natural World

25,124

GALÁPAGOS

% Added Value generated for the country

0.24%

International tourism as % of total tourism to province

15.4%

Tourism business opportunity

Ecolodge Conventions centre

General description

Tourism profile

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The Galapagos Archipelago is located 972 kilometres from the mainland. It consists of 22 islands and 107 islets that are home to one of the largest and most ecological reserves on the planet. Sometimes, they are called the "Enchanted Islands" since their flora and fauna are unique in the world. The archipelago is considered as a Natural Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Through his observations in the archipelago, Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution of species.

66% of tourism arriving on the islands is made up of international visitors attracted by the destination's uniqueneness. It has enormous potential for the development of scientific tourism, as well as also for ecotourism.