Ecuador has launched the Violeta Tourism Project (Turismo Violeta), a collaborative effort between the country’s Ministry of Tourism and the Inter-American Development Bank (BID). This initiative aims to reshape the tourism landscape by prioritizing women’s roles in the industry while promoting sustainable practices.
The project focuses on integrating women into various aspects of tourism, from entrepreneurship to service provision. It also emphasizes preserving Ecuador’s cultural heritage and encourages responsible travel behaviors.
Travelers participating in Violeta Tourism experiences can expect to interact with local communities, particularly indigenous groups. These encounters offer insights into traditional customs and practices, many of which have been passed down through generations.
The initiative also highlights regional culinary traditions, allowing visitors to taste authentic Ecuadorian dishes prepared using local ingredients and time-honored techniques.
By placing women at the center of these tourism experiences, the Violeta Tourism Project aims to create more diverse and inclusive travel opportunities in Ecuador. This approach benefits local communities and provides travelers with unique, culturally rich experiences.
More on Ecuador’s Violeta Tourism Project
Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism launched the groundbreaking initiative with pilot programs at three Community Tourism Centers (CTCs) across Ecuador’s diverse regions:
- CTC Sinchi Warmi in Napo Province (Amazonia)
- CTC La Moya in Chimborazo Province (Sierra)
- CTC Dos Mangas in Santa Elena Province (Coast)
Each CTC designed and piloted unique violet tourism experiences.
CTC La Moya’s product focuses on increasing women’s participation and innovating the community’s offerings. The half-day to full-day experience, priced at approximately $26, includes:
- Integration of new families, particularly women
- Showcasing family gardens and women’s role in production
- A new menu featuring Andean garden products
- Collaborative snack preparation
- An alternative to traditional attractions, emphasizing women’s daily lives
Your clients can benefit from:
- Community tourism with local Indigenous women
- Andean nature and gastronomy experience
- Historical insights from a female perspective
- Enhanced safety for solo or group female travelers
CTC Sinchi Warmi adapted the violet tourism approach into five distinct products. These one to two-day experiences, ranging from $25 to $50 per activity, feature:
- Enhanced existing activities with increased female participation
- Inclusion of elderly community members, especially women
- Utilization of the chakra and other spaces to showcase ancestral knowledge
- A new area highlighting women’s expertise in traditional medicine
- Customizable offerings focused on women’s needs
Your clients can expect:
- Immersion in Amazonian culture, emphasizing women’s roles
- Experiences promoting respect for nature
- Inclusion of marginalized groups (elderly and people with disabilities)
- Celebration of Intergenerational Female Knowledge
- Diverse activities for various family members
- Prioritized safety for female travelers
CTC Dos Mangas aims to actively promote and incorporate women’s participation in their tourism offerings.
Ecuador’s violet tourism approach empowers local women and offers unique, culturally rich experiences for visitors, particularly female travelers seeking safe and meaningful journeys.
Travel advisors wishing to access the packages created by the women from the Community Tourism Centers involved in the pilot can contact them directly:
Community Tourism Center Sinchi Warmi: Melissa Andy – 0984214535
Community Tourism Center La Moya: Diana Guevara – 0962341907
Community Tourism Center Dos Mangas: Emma Franco – 0959925294
For more information, visit ecuador.travel/en.
