| Abstract: |
The Galápagos Islands face the challenge of conserving their biodiversity
while moving toward a more sustainable tourism model. In August 2024, after 24
years without changes, the entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park and
Marine Reserve was updated: from USD 100 to USD 200 for foreign visitors and
from USD 6 to USD 30 for Ecuadorians. Comparing surveys conducted in 2024 and
2025, this policy brief examines how attitudes, spending, and satisfaction of
tourists have evolved over time. Results show a decline in the share of
visitors who were aware of the entrance fee adjustment, along with growing
support for the measure among international tourists. Average spending and
satisfaction levels remained stable for both domestic and foreign visitors,
indicating that the adjustment did not affect tourism demand at the aggregate
level. The findings highlight the need to strengthen participatory processes
for co-creating and redesigning site-management plans; identify investment
priorities for maintaining, renovating, and improving the accessibility of
visit sites; and ensure transparent and efficient management of collected
revenues to facilitate the timely implementation of conservation, ecological
restoration, and local development actions. |