Ecuador Travel

Sustainable Tourism and Community Development

For its work in Ecuador, the Rainforest Alliance receives assistance from its two local partners: the Ecuadorian Association of Ecotourism, Conservation, and Development and its certifying program Smart Voyager, as well as the local office of Conservation International.

The Rainforest Alliance offers a training and technical assistance program in sustainable tourism for travel-related companies and services in Ecuador. In order to join the program, business representatives participate in workshops, use training manuals to identify ways in which they might increase sustainable practices and learn about sustainable tourism certification programs in their area. At the end of the workshops, participants receive an evaluation with recommendations on how to improve their management practices. Finally, participants sign an agreement with Rainforest Alliance committing to implement these changes.

Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

With the right support, sustainable tourism can make a significant and sustainable contribution to both national and local economies, while protecting important ecological areas. However, sustainable tourism in Ecuador must be effectively managed in order to develop effectively and build the trust of visitors.

Back to "Ecuador ecotourism, part 1"