Planning A Trip? - Ecuador Newsletter

[Jzmackenzie]

Jane Schuyler

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Leisure Manager

5020 Council Street NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

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Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador Newsletter - January 2014

Recently recognized by such leading forums as The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler and the World Travel Awards, Ecuador is at the top of the list for international travelers in 2014.

Read on to learn more about the latest developments from this world-class destination.
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ECUADOR SELECTED AMONG NEW YORK TIMES ‘52 PLACES TO GO IN 2014'
Ecuador has been selected among The New York Times list of 52 Places to Go in 2014, a prestigious annual listing highlighting leading tourism destinations worldwide. Ranked number 7, Ecuador is highlighted for its extraordinary biodiversity and abundant wildlife, as well as unique tourism offerings including Tren Crucero.

ECUADOR'S COCAO ROUTE FEATURED IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER'S BEST TRIPS 2014
Ecuador's Cacao Route has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler in the publication's listing of Best Trips 2014. The publication highlights the experience of tasting chocolate at its origin of production, with Ecuador's fine flavor cacao among the best in the world. Experiences along the Cacao Route include a tour through the country's Pacific Coast aboard the luxury train Tren Crucero, as well as tours from Quito to Santa Rita with accommodations in Amazonian lodges.

Ecuador was recognized by National Geographic Traveler as the Best Destination in 2013.

ECUADOR RECOGNIZED AS WORLD'S LEADING GREEN DESTINATION 2013 AT
20TH ANNUAL WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
Ecuador was recognized as the World's Leading Green Destination 2013 at the 20th annual World Travel Awards, held last month in Doha, Qatar. Ecuador was recognized for the natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity found throughout the country's four regions: the Galapagos Islands, Pacific Coast, Andes, and Amazon. The destination was awarded ahead of nominees including Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Fiji, Seychelles and Peru, recognized in 2012 for Machu Picchu.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

FESTIVAL OF THE BLOSSOMING GUAYACANES
With the turn of the year, visitors to southern Ecuador this month are witnessing a unique natural spectacle with the Festival of the Blossoming Guayacanes. This natural wonder has attracted an increasing number of tourists each year, who come to appreciate the beauty of the blossoming trees and the characteristic aroma of the guayacán flowers. Visitors can enjoy a number of special events and activities including horseback riding, cycling, camping, a craft fair and photographic exhibition, and a Cultural Night with dance and music groups.

The timing of the blossoming varies according to natural conditions, so check for updates at www.amalavida.tv or www.ecuador.travel/es/guayacanes/inicio in order to schedule your visit to the area.

MINISTER ALVARADO PROPOSES SOUTH AMERICAN TOURISM PROMOTION
During a working visit to Brazil last month, Ecuador Minister of Tourism Vinicio Alvarado proposed the creation of a South American tourism brand that will allow the promotion of the region on a global scale. The proposal was introduced during a meeting in Brasilia with Minister Alvarado's counterpart in Brazil, Minister of Tourism Gastao Vieira, and chief of staff Sérgio Braune.

The meeting also aimed to establish agreements around the exchange of information and content between the two countries as Ecuador seeks to increase the number of arrivals of Brazilian tourists to the country.

ECUADOR PARTICIPATES IN 2013 USTOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Ecuador Ministry of Tourism showcased the country's world-class tourism offering last month at the USTOA Annual Conference & marketplace in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event brings together more than 800 industry leaders from throughout the United States, representing more than 150 tour operator brands.

Founded in 1972, the United States Tour Operators Association is a professional trade association created with the primary purpose of promoting integrity within the tour operator industry.

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