Tourism sector expects $60 million to move for the 4-day carnival holiday

With no restrictions in sight due to the pandemic and with a reduction in value added tax (VAT) from 12% to 8% in all services defined as tourist activities, the Carnival 2023 holiday will be received.

Last week, the national Emergency Operations Committee (COE) resolved to resume the voluntary use of the mask in open or closed spaces.

In addition, the use of the mask will continue to be mandatory in closed spaces in the case of health centers, hospitals and health establishments for both patients and visitors. In addition, in gerontological centers and residences for the elderly.

The obligation includes people who present respiratory symptoms in open and closed spaces.

Gastronomic fairs, recreational activities and national and foreign artists, among the attractions of the Gualaceo carnival agenda

In 2022, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism, close to $49 million in tourist spending was registered in carnival.

That, said that Secretary of State in a statement, was an additional 28% to what was achieved on the last holiday of 2021.

There were more than 752,000 trips. The average expense per tourist trip was $65 and a hotel occupancy of 46%.

Galo Vásconez, president of the Bolívar Chamber of Tourism, indicated that the events held in that province last year were organized at the last minute, so they had little impact, but this 2023 aspires to a true reactivation.

On Saturday the so-called Taita Carnival entered the city and there was the election of the queen.

Vásconez estimated that some 200,000 people could come to celebrate the festivity and that there is an economic movement of between $3 and $4 million.

In Quito, the arrival of some 140,000 people is expected with an income from tourist activities of around $9.5 million. There will be about 100 artistic, cultural events, parades.

What are the Carnival holidays this 2023?

Juan Vanegas, president of the Cuenca Chamber of Tourism, expects the flow of visitors to exceed 80% occupancy in hotels.

He highlighted the work of the private sector to promote the promotion of Cuenca.

In that city, he said, above all, tourists from the Coast and Guayaquil arrive.

Raúl García, vice president of the National Federation of Tourism Chambers of Ecuador (Fenacaptur), estimated that sales could reach more than $60 million, and for this, the accommodations have been adequately prepared, providing maintenance, as well as promotions for different destinations. among them, the Coast or Amazonia.

García asked that there be the respective police operations to strengthen security and that the roads be in excellent condition.

About the VAT reduction, according to García, there should be 0% every weekend, 52 of the year, as a way for Ecuadorians to travel the country.

With the aim of boosting traveler consumption, Carlos Tapia, Undersecretary of Competitiveness and Tourism Promotion of the Ministry of Tourism, indicated that the reduced VAT rate goes to tourist services, such as food and beverages, accommodation, transportation, operation and tourist intermediation.

This is the agenda of Carnival 2023 in Quito

Tapia highlighted the celebration of carnival in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Ambato, Guaranda, and mentioned that there is coordination with various control and security entities, such as the Risk Secretariat, which includes monitoring of the eruptive activity of the Cotopaxi volcano.

“Carnival is a very particular holiday because it is celebrated throughout the country, in the different spas there are already prepared activities,” the official mentioned in an interview with Radio Look-out. (YO)