The government of Galapagos National Park has decided to take steps to limit the impact of mass tourism on this fragile ecosystem. Raising the entrance fee to these islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, should help preserve the environment while developing sustainable tourism and stimulating the local economy.
- Entry fees for foreigners will be doubled from $100 to $200 (91 € à 183 €).
- Rates for Ecuadorian citizens will increase fivefold (to USD 30).
These changes should be implemented within the next 6 months and generate up to $40 million a year, compared with the current $14-18 million.
According to the Minister of Tourism Niels OlsenThe Galápagos archipelago has been adversely affected by the introduction of invasive species and food shortages as a result of popular tourist sites. The park was once on UNESCO's list of World Heritage in Danger. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism and stimulate the local economy thanks to the natural wonders offered by the islands, which are unique in the world, and despite the fact that the decision to lower airline taxes at the same time counters these ecological and economic arguments.
🐢 "Voté a favor del incremento de la tasa al Parque Nacional Galápagos porque lo necesita", exclamó el Ministro de Turismo, Niels Olsen, que justifica el aumento de la tasa de ingreso hacia las Islas Galápagos. La llegada masiva de visitantes está ubicando en una situación de... pic.twitter.com/wlCNBBmMJT
- Ecuadorplay (@EcuadorPlay) February 26, 2024
The consequences for tourists and local businesses
Although this increase may put the brakes on some tourists with low purchasing power, it's worth remembering that the Galapagos is already an expensive destination, attracting mainly wealthy visitors. Those with a passion for biodiversity and environmental heritage will undoubtedly be prepared to pay a high price to contemplate the giant tortoises, iguanas, rare birds and exceptional flora of these remote islands.
The Minister of Tourism had been working on this increase for several months:
Galápagos es un destino frágil y el más especial del mundo.
Pagar $6 (nacionales) y $100 (extranjeros) al Parque Nacional Galápagos es muy barato. Esta tasa debería incrementarse para que haya más presupuesto para el parque (ej. más guarda parques) y municipios para resolver los... https://t.co/ZqPHB20kg3
- Niels Olsen (@NielsOlsenP) June 20, 2023
Some local players, such as Miguel Díazan employee of a company owning a fleet of 8 boats that mainly transport foreigners, is more reserved about this increase: "I think an increase is necessary, but not twice as much.“.
Charles WittmerPresident of the Galapagos Tourist Vessel Owners Association, believes that tourists who spend $180 for a tour and $20 for a meal in a restaurant won't haggle over access rights to these UNESCO World Heritage islands.
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español