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| Although known internationally by tourists for its spectacular landscapes, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and leisure opportunities, there is much to be done if Ecuador is to become a more competitive and frequented tourism destination. In various parts of Ecuador, rural poverty levels are particularly high, and numerous settlements exist within protected area boundaries. The declining quality of natural attractions in the protected areas – itself caused in large part by visitation, and inadequate system management capacity, is constraining tourism growth. Sustainable tourism in Ecuador's protected areas has the potential to become a key source of income production, a tool for conservation, and a mechanism for poverty reduction. However, there are barriers limiting its adequate development. | |
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| Solimar’s overall objective in Ecuador is to better equip and strengthen the Ecuadorian protected areas system, local tourism enterprises, and relevant public sector institutions so that local communities may achieve sustainable economic growth. In addition, conservation efforts will include implementing adequate control and monitoring mechanisms for tourism activities, sensitizing local populations to sustainable tourism, and improving tourism-related infrastructure in protected areas to bring back satisfied tourists and new visitors. | |
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The Ecuador Sustainable Tourism Alliance (AETS) was established to spur public-private collaboration and outreach to new development partners. By creating a service and product value chain that truly integrates local people and communities, the lives of people in the protected areas will improve. The AETS program is working to align the visions of both the local communities, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, and the tourism industry with new opportunities for marketing, community-based enterprises, products, and services. |
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To achieve this, AETS is fostering the development of an enabling environment to improve cooperation and linkages along the value chain and increase destination market opportunities. Furthermore, the Alliance is maximizing tourism’s contribution to natural and cultural conservation by promoting sustainable tourism development standards. |
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES
• Improved quality and diversification of sustainable tourism products and services offered in protected areas and buffer regions through the development of three small community-based tourism enterprises (Manglares Churute Mangrove Tours, Secoya Lodge, and Oyacachi Adventure Tours) and an ecolodge owned in part by the local community
• Incorporation of communities located within and around protected areas into the tourism value chain, so that sustainable tourism benefits local populations;
• Building capacity among sustainable tourism actors to improve their skills through a series of training programs, including small business operations, guiding, and dining, lodging, and transportation services;
• Development and implementation of tourism marketing and promotion strategies at the protected area and national level targeted at capturing local and international markets segments;
• Design and distribution of a UNEP Green Passport to promote the protected areas while educating travelers on how to travel responsibly; and
• Establishment of the “Amigos de las Areas Protegidas” program—a membership and marketing program designed to engage local tourism businesses in conserving the protected areas while promoting them to national and international travelers;
• Development of the National Ecotourism Portal of Ecuador (www.amigosdelasaps.org) to assist travelers plan their next visit to Ecuador’s protected areas.
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Current Projects 
