For his part, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, highlighted "the importance of this strategic alliance to promote, present and consolidate the destination of Ecuador in what will be one of the most powerful and representative editions of FITUR". 

The presence of Ecuador as a 'Partner Country of FITUR 2024' gives a significant boost to the promotion and positioning of this country as a tourism destination worldwide, thanks to the scope and projection of FITUR, currently positioned as the leading tourism fair on the international circuit, both in terms of participation and attendance by professionals from all five continents.  All of this will further reinforce the good figures of a tourism industry that is vital for Ecuador, with sales exceeding 3,343 million dollars by July 2023 in tourism activities, and on which more than 600,000 families depend.

Connecting bridge to Spain

As the global tourism industry looks to the future, Ecuador takes centre stage as the FITUR 2024 Partner Country, showcasing a tourism offer rich in geographical and cultural diversity and robust air connectivity with Spain. This connection is not new; from colonial times to the present, the relationship between Spain and Ecuador has been marked by ties of brotherhood, mutual influence and deep understanding. Over the centuries, these two countries have shared not only language and cultural traditions, but also histories of migration, collaboration and joint growth.

The Spanish presence in Ecuador has left indelible traces in its architecture, gastronomy and art, while Ecuador has offered Spain its music, literature and indomitable spirit. In the field of tourism, this relationship is further strengthened: "Spanish travellers find in Ecuador a home away from home, a familiar place in its diversity and warmth, and Ecuador sees in every Spanish tourist a bridge of connection and a friend for life. This transatlantic closeness is a testament to a relationship that has flourished over time and promises to continue to grow in the future," the Ecuadorian government says.

Today, connectivity between Spain and Ecuador has been strengthened thanks to more than 11 direct weekly flights operated by renowned airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa and LATAM, facilitating tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Unrivalled experience

From the high mountains of the Andes to the biodiversity of the Amazon, the sunny beaches of the Coast and the natural heritage of the Galapagos, Ecuador offers an unrivalled experience for the traveller. And Spanish tourists have taken note: the connection between the two countries has maintained a strong presence with almost 75,000 visitors per year until 2023. Ecuador offers tourists arriving from all over the world four unrivalled worlds to explore:

• Sierra: the cities of Quito and Cuenca, recognised as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, top the list in the Andean region. However, the Sierra is so much more: from the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes to colonial haciendas that tell stories of the past and vibrant indigenous markets, it is a region of contrasts and traditions.

• Amazonia: beyond being the lungs of the world, the Ecuadorian Amazon is home to national parks such as Yasuní and Cuyabeno, and indigenous communities such as the Waorani and Shuar. It is a profound journey to the roots of nature and ancestral cultures; it represents more than 43% of the national territory.

• Coast: more than 1,600 km of golden beaches and mangroves are complemented by the largest gastronomic variety in the country. The coast is a feast of flavours, colours and sounds, from the modernity of Guayaquil to the tastiest corners such as the new RUTA ICHE. Finally, the Ecuadorian coast becomes a paradise for sports and adventure activities such as surfing, kayaking, paragliding and many more.

• Galapagos: with 97% of its territory protected and an abundance of endemic species, Galapagos is the living testimony of Ecuador's evolution and commitment to ecotourism and sustainability. Designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it is home to more than 9,000 species, 32% of which are endemic. Galapagos exemplifies Ecuador's commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation.

Finally, Ecuador stands out in the UNWTO's "Best Tourism Villages" programme with its jewels, Angochagua and Aguarico. Angochagua, part of the Imbabura Global Geopark, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich tradition, from handicrafts to the "Ruta del Borrego Asado". Meanwhile, Aguarico, located in the heart of protected areas such as the Yasuní National Park, is a testament to the indigenous Kichwa and Waorani cultures and their commitment to sustainable community-based tourism. These recognitions strengthen Ecuador's position as a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism.

The ECUADOR Socio FITUR 2024 brand will be present in all the promotion of the International Tourism Fair that is being carried out on a national and international scale, as well as in all the communication generated by the fair in its different channels until it is held, enjoying maximum prominence.