Outbound ticket sales from Ecuador rise up to 40% after price cuts, but uncertainty affects travel to the country

The demand for international air tickets has increased by 40% due to the reduction of the eco delta rate and 5% in Ecuador, a tourist powerhouse, according to representatives of travel agencies almost three months after the entry into force of the new model of charging these fees.

Colombia, Panama and Spain are among the preferred destinations for travelers leaving Ecuador, while the Galapagos is positioned as preferred by foreigners, however the insecurity the country is going through does not make the arrival of international tourists who “think” if Ecuador “is worth visiting”.

Which destinations will be cheaper to travel to with the Eco Delta tariff discount?

The eco delta rate is the value that is paid when issuing an airplane ticket from Ecuador to a foreign country, the Ministry of Tourism reminds. The reduction came into effect on June 1, with passengers paying 5% of the net price of the air ticket, with a maximum ceiling of $50, while the price of Ecuador’s tourism force (flights from abroad to Ecuador), which was $10, dropped to 5% net rate, with a maximum cap of $10.

General Manager of Ian Travel, Ian Loaiza, pointed out that ticket sales have increased between 30 and 40 percent compared to last year or before the eco delta rate reduction came into force.

For her part, travel agent Nohelia Armas indicated that the price reduction for them “was not significant in itself” and that the demand was minimal, 15 percent, and this is due to the fact that the prices are getting lower. time, dynamics. It is true that they have fallen and that there are prices for seasons that are becoming good, but that does not mean that they stop being expensive, he said.

Loaiza commented that ticket sales have increased for destinations such as Colombia, Chile, the United States, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Aruba and Curacao. He asserted that in addition to the reduction of the eco delta rate, there were also actions at the airlines Copa Airlines and Avianca.

Flights to and from Ecuador are cheaper, says the tourism minister, with the Eco Delta rate cut taking effect

On the other hand, Armas cited Madrid in Spain as the destination with the highest demand, along with Punta Cana, Cartagena (Colombia) and Panama. “Madrid is one of the key destinations, because for example, Air Europa offers you a direct flight, Guayaquil – Madrid – Guayaquil, so it is desirable that people always look for a direct flight that is cheaper, Madrid is one of them”.

As for preferred destinations for international tourists in Ecuador, Armas said the Galapagos stand out, as well as Quito and Cuenca. “These are the destinations they arrive at here in Ecuador. I think it’s up 5%, since Galapagos for a certain season the value becomes good, connecting from the United States (Miami, Orlando), where our passengers come from,” he explained.

Regarding Guayaquil, he said that the insecurity has influenced that it is considered touristic, so the arrival of travelers to the city is business or family. In this sense, he commented that despite the fact that tickets can be cheaper, the situation in the country in general “makes people think more than once whether Ecuador will be a suitable destination to visit”.

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