Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands and Ecotourism

International Marketing

Case 2-2; Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands and Ecotourism

Question 1:

The definition of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without comprising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. In order to have a sustainable development of the Galapagos tourism industry, it is the most important point to maintain the Eco balance on the Galapagos Islands. To achieve this goal, there are some conditions which have to take place.

First of all, there have to be strict guidelines for the Ecotourism in the future, too. That means that the biggest part of the island stays in a national park and habitation by humans is limited to the remaining part of the island, the amount of tourists each year is regulated and the growing problem of invasive species by ships and aircrafts will be solved.

Secondly it has to be sure, that most of the revenues of the touristic industry go back into the protection of the environment.

Local operators have a greater likelihood of respecting resources and community. They also have to live with the consequences of their actions. When local operators are replaced by outside tourism investors, decision making leaves the community. The focus of foreign investors on high revenues and consequential short term thinking can jeopardize a sustainable development.

The tourism industry, like all other industries, is evolving. Changes that bring new technology, changing demand, changing travel patterns, or new clientele put pressures on tourism plans. An effective plan will be flexible. Well-designed tourism should continue to function and protect quality, visitor experience, local resources, and quality of life even if limits are exceeded. However, a good plan has built in mechanisms that kick in when limits are approached or exceeded.

Question 2:

Since the Ecuadorian government and the National Parks Service have maintained stringent rules for the islands, the number of tourists is...