What is the chance that an average Indian would already know about the country Ecuador? Very rare, and even if somebody says he/she has heard about the country, that person is very unlikely to know where its located (which continent). That’s the reason Ecuador conducted its maiden promotional event in Mumbai to promote the destination to trade bodies, travel agencies, media and corporate in India.
Pro Ecuador Event
Ecuador is a country located in south America, and offers visitors a variety of locations – plush green forest of the Amazon, serene beaches of the pacific coasts, the breath-taking and picturesque Galapagos or the gorgeous scenic Andes, and more.
This is what ‘Pro Ecuador’, the Institute for Export and Investment Promotion of Ecuador tried to project to the audience at its maiden event held in Mumbai. The event was meant to introduce the south-american destination to the travel trade.
The event focused on the many offerings of the South American country and why Ecuador truly reflects its motto – “Like nowhere else. All in one place. So close.”
The guests were also charmed with the culinary spread which included several Ecuadorian delights, with the focus being on the famous Ecuadorian Chocolate. The event had a chocolate appreciation workshop for the world-renowned Ecuadorian chocolate.
About the Country
Ecuador may not have won the soccer world cup nor do they have any international celebrity (who’s famous globally), and that is why probably very few Indians know about the country.
“Ecuador is an undiscovered gem for Indian travellers, which is why we have come forward to presenting our country to India. Ecuador as a destination has a lot to offer for the various genres of travellers,” said the Consul General of Ecuador in Mumbai.
So what is the capital city of Ecuador? Again, a difficult question for most Indians to answer. The answer is ‘Quito’, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the largest cities in Ecuador.
Ecuador offers the best of four worlds – islands, Amazon rainforest, mountain range Andes and the Pacific Coast. The cities in Ecuador have a thriving nightlife, which reflects the spirit and fun-loving nature of the typical South American people.
Business Between the Two Countries
Currently, Indian companies from the pharmaceutical and hospitality industries have invested in Ecuador and some more are expected to follow suit. Among the hospitality players, the Taj group plans to penetrate the Ecuadorian market with their Vivanta brand of hotels.
Pro Ecuador is keen to see more Indian investment’s in Ecuador, which will also foster better ties between the two countries.
Visa on Arrival for Indians
If you have travelled abroad before, you would have noticed a separate queue for nationals from US and Europe, where they are offer Visa on Arrival. Unfortunately, it doesn’t apply for Indians. However, if you’re assuming that Indians don’t get a visa-on-arrival in any country, you’re mistaken.
Ecuador does offer a Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility for Indians.
Ecuador Wants More Tourists from India
Ecuador is keen on getting more tourists from India as India is an emerging market that offers good business potential for Ecuador. But they know they have lot of work to do to initially to create awareness about Ecuador in India. “Since we’re new in this market, we initially want to promote Ecuador as a destination in South America which can be clubbed with other nations like Brazil, Argentina and Chile.” Trade Officer, Commercial Office of Ecuador.
The preferred route to travel to this south-american country, from India, is via Amsterdam, although one can also opt to fly via Houston or London through Miami. And because the flight duration would be long, and the air tickets expensive, the target segment would ideally be the seasoned and high-end travellers.
Pro Ecuador, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism Ecuador, will organize more interactive training workshops in the future, to better educate the Indian travel agents about Ecuador. Till then, Ecuador waits to welcome more Indians to their land of endless beauty.
