Ecuador registers highest tourism spending in a decade during August 10 holiday

Ecuador's tourism sector saw a significant boom during the August 10 holiday, with spending reaching $69.91 million. This marks the highest amount recorded for this national holiday in the last decade, according to government figures released Tuesday. The total spending represents a substantial 24.22% increase compared to 2025, injecting an additional $13.63 million into the economy during the commemoration of Ecuador's First Cry of Independence. Hotel occupancy rates across the country also reached a ten-year high, standing at 53.26%. This is 6.72 percentage points higher than the previous year, indicating a strong recovery and increased visitor confidence. During the holiday period, an estimated 1.07 million trips were made within Ecuador, an increase of approximately 105,000 trips compared to 2025, marking a 10.84% year-on-year rise. Coastal Santa Elena province emerged as the most popular destination, attracting about 147,740 trips. Pichincha, home to the capital Quito, followed with 136,520 trips. Manabí and Azuay, with its capital Cuenca, also saw significant visitor numbers. Notably, the Amazonian region experienced remarkable growth. Provinces like Napo, Morona Santiago, and Pastaza collectively recorded around 123,280 trips, a substantial jump from the 70,580 recorded in 2025, representing a nearly 75% increase. These three provinces accounted for about 11.5% of national travel, up from 7.3% last year. Napo province alone saw a 120.8% increase in trips.