Despite the state of emergency in three provinces of the country (Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Santo Domingo) due to increased crime, the holiday had favorable results.
According to information from the Ministry of Tourism, the All Souls’ Day and Independence Day holidays in Cuenca, which took place between November 3 and 6, left US$71 million in tourist spending.
“During the four days of the November holiday, a total of US$71 million was generated by tourist spending, thus surpassing what was obtained in pre-holiday years, such as 2018 and 2019, and reaching the same item generated in 2021 (when the holiday lasted five days),” states an official report.
Likewise, the average hotel occupancy reached 39%, and the number of trips was more than 1 million nationwide.
The most visited provinces during these holidays were:
- Azuay: US$14.7 million in tourist spending, 121,051 trips.
- Pichincha: US$10.88 million in tourist spending, 173,295 trips.
- Napo: US$6.7 million in tourist spending, 84,918 trips.
- Manabí: US$6.8 million in tourist spending, 149,914 trips.
In addition, the cities of Cuenca and Baños de Agua Santa had 100% occupancy in tourist accommodations.
AVERAGE RATE
So far, in 2022, the holidays leave revenues of more than US$389 million in tourist spending, an amount higher than the same period of 2018 (US$316 million) and 2019 (US$303 million).
Another relevant fact is that 89% of travelers were nationals, and 11% were foreigners. Likewise, the average spending rate was US$70, with an average of two occupants per room.
The state of emergency did have an impact on the affected provinces, whose income and tourist trips were reduced.
It was especially the case of Esmeraldas, traditionally visited for its characteristic beaches, which during this holiday received only US$797,000 when last year, during the same holiday, it received US$1.8 million.
With information from Bloomberg