14 November 2007 Ecuador looks to double tourism levels
Ecuador is launching a sustainable tourism programme in an attempt to increase the number of foreign visitors, it has emerged.
Launched by tourism officials in the South American country, Plandetur 2020 will focus on four geographical areas - the Andes, the Amazon, the Galapagos and the nation's coastline.
The move will see Ecuador Tourism receive about $198 million (£95 million) via the Inter-American Development Bank by 2020, reports TravelMole.
Some $75.7 million of this investment will be put to use developing tourist facilities and introducing sustainable practice in nature reserves and conservation areas.
Patricio Tamariz, executive director of Ecuador Tourism, said: "Plandetur 2020 will allow Ecuador to develop as a mainstream brand and become a leader in sustainable tourism, offering authentic and unique experiences that are tied to Ecuador's natural and cultural resources."
By 2020 the country is aiming to attract more than two million international tourists.
In 2006, some 24,344 Britons visited Ecuador.
Last week, it was revealed that officials in Canada are investing more money into tourism ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver.
Archive Travel Insurance News Stories
Related Travel Insurance News
26 March 2008 Women 'confident' to travel alone
Women have become more confident to travel to traditional and emerging... [more]
26 March 2008 Paris and Bruges 'are emerging destinations for city breaks'
Paris and Bruges have been named as emerging destinations for city breaks in... [more]
26 March 2008 Princess takes birthday trip to traditional ski resort
Princess Eugenie, daughter of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and the Duke of... [more]
26 March 2008 Snow falls across Europe
Snow has been falling across Europe in the past week, leaving many traditional... [more]
Get a travel insurance quote today from Travel Insurance Web, comprehensive cover at an amazingly low price.
