Ecuador continues to take advantage of its exhibition at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur 2024) to promote itself. The event, which began on January 24 and will last until this Sunday, January 28 in Madrid, presents Ecuador as a partner country to representatives of 152 countries, 9,000 companies related to tourism and more than 100,000 visitors.

On the second day of Fitur 2024, Ecuador presented its investment portfolio in the tourism sector in front of more than 120 business people from all over the world, with the presence of the President of the Republic, Daniel Noboa, who, together with the Minister of Tourism, Niles Olsen, participated in this meeting organized by the Spanish Confederation of Business organization and Secretary of State for Trade of Spain.

Protagonist Ecuador, in Fitur 2024, seeks to increase the arrival of Spaniards in the country by at least 10% and attract 90 million dollars of investment in 11 protected areas

During the first day of the fair, the Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, Sade Fritschi, emphasized that the investment portfolio of Ecuador’s protected areas will be promoted. He explained that of the 78 protected areas the country has, eleven will be prioritized, such as Yasuní, Cajas, Machalilla and Galapagos, among others, to attract investments of approximately $90 million.

However, during the meeting with the businessmen, they discussed the security situation that the country is currently going through. President Nobo pointed out that upon his arrival in Carondelet, he had to immediately adjust the government’s project to deal with the wave of violence and dismantle the presence of narco-terrorist groups on the territory of Ecuador.

“Past governments used to say that their measure of success was drug seizures. It was the wrong perspective. The indicator is the reduction of violent deaths. And we succeeded: from 28 violent deaths per day we reached six in two weeks”, said Noboa, while the Spanish business sector recognized this important step.

This, along with other decisions, made it possible to reduce the country’s risk by more than 300 points, according to the president.

Albacora CEO Isabel Beitia Lachaga noted that solving the security issue in Ecuador is key to strengthening economic growth. He also reminded that the promotion of trade agreements would benefit both nations. Meanwhile, for Mónica Paladines, a businesswoman in the Spanish real estate sector, “Ecuador is alive and latent in Spain,” which is why there is a great investment opportunity in the country, especially for women entrepreneurs.

Daniel Noboa, in Spain: It is very difficult to leave the country, but you have to face the world

Ecuador received three awards

Meanwhile, among the results of the first day of Fituro 2024, Ecuador stood out with three awards. The UN Tourism Organization (formerly known as the World Tourism Organization – UNWTO) has given its first recognition to Ecuador as the first country to adhere to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). Minister Olsen received the award.

Likewise, the Mayor of Cuenca, Cristian Zamora, received recognition on behalf of the city for his strong commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability and his commitment to tourism as a transversal force for the well-being of communities. In addition, UN Tourism awarded the appointment of a special ambassador for gastronomic tourism to Ecuadorian chef Alejandro Espinoza of Somos restaurant, who will strongly promote the gastronomic and tourism promotion of Ecuador in the world.