Tourism in Ecuador is facing a severe downturn, with international arrivals dropping 12.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The decline is even more striking compared to pre-pandemic levels, with visitor numbers down 43.4% from 2019. In total, 1.26 million tourists visited Ecuador last year—far from the 2.5 million recorded in 2018, the country’s best year for tourism.
A sharp rise in violent crime is largely responsible for deterring travelers. In the past five years, the average number of daily homicides has skyrocketed from three to 22, with January 2024 marking the deadliest month in history, averaging 25 homicides per day. In 2019, Ecuador recorded 1,187 murders, a figure that surged to 8,004 in 2023.
Ecuador Is the Only Country in the Region Losing Tourists
Unlike neighboring Colombia and Mexico, which continue to attract tourists despite high crime rates, Ecuador is the only Latin American country experiencing a decline in visitor numbers.
The largest group of tourists in 2024 came from the United States, accounting for 38% of arrivals. Other key markets included Colombia (180,677 visitors), Spain (114,014), and Peru (101,150). Additionally, countries such as Canada, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Panama, the UK, Italy, and China each contributed between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors.
Compounding the tourism crisis, airline capacity to Ecuador has decreased, making flights less frequent and more expensive. Prolonged power outages, lasting up to 14 hours a day for nearly three months in 2023, have also impacted the country’s appeal to visitors.
Economic Fallout for Ecuador’s Tourism Sector
According to the World Bank, tourism is a key driver of economic growth in Ecuador. However, its contribution to GDP fell from 2.1% in 2019 to just 1.2% in 2023. In contrast, tourism represents 15% of GDP in countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.
Hotel occupancy rates tell a similar story——they averagedbelow 35% in 2024, with some provinces dipping below30%. Even the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador’s most famous tourist attraction, suffered a 26% decline in visitor numbers last year.
Can Ecuador Regain Tourists?
Experts suggest that Ecuador needs to follow the example of Mexico and Colombia, which have successfully promoted specific safe destinations despite national security concerns. Investments in high-quality hotels, better roads, and improved healthcare infrastructure—particularly along the coast—could also help restore confidence in Ecuador as a travel destination.
Ecuador once known as an “island of peace”, now faces an uphill battle to rebuild its tourism sector and restore traveler confidence. Long celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, Ecuador stood apart from its neighbors as a safe and stable destination.
However, escalating violent crime, economic struggles, and declining infrastructure have eroded its reputation, deterring both tourists and investors. Even traditionally strong destinations, such as the Galápagos Islands, Quito, and Cuenca, have seen a sharp drop in visitor numbers, reflecting broader concerns about safety and accessibility.
To recover, Ecuador must prioritize security, enhance infrastructure, and promote designated safe zones—an approach that has allowed countries like Mexico and Colombia to maintain tourism growth despite security risks. Strategic investment in hospitality, transportation, and marketing campaigns will also be key to regaining the trust of international travelers.
While the challenges are significant, Ecuador still has the potential to reposition itself as a leading eco-tourism and cultural hub. Success will depend on long-term commitments, effective reforms, and a renewed focus on safety-critical steps to attract travelers and secure the future of its tourism industry.
