by Brian Major
Last updated: 7:40 PM ET, Tue July 30, 2024
Ecuador’s government launched “Expandiendo Nuestra Luz,” which
translates as “Expanding Our Light,” a tourism brand campaign designed to
highlight the country’s 12 consecutive hours of year-round, daily sunlight.
The branding also focuses on Ecuador’s cultural heritage found
in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital city of Quito, natural beauty and
distinct biodiversity exemplified by the Galapagos Islands and renowned exports including roses
and chocolate.
The branding campaign is the result of legislation signed
in June by Daniel Noboa, the country’s president. Ecuador’s geographic location
provides the country with a consistent 12-hour light cycle. The branding
message also “[symbolizes] the unwavering energy and warmth of its residents,”
said Ecuador Tourism Board officials.
“Ecuador isn't just a destination,” said Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s
minister of tourism, in a statement. “It’s a radiant beacon at the heart of the
world, where constant sunlight illuminates its natural wonders and fosters an
environment ripe for life and growth."
In a related initiative, Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism is collaborating
with the Inter-American Development Bank to launch the Violeta Tourism Project,
an initiative designed to empower women, preserves the country’s cultural
heritage and foster responsible travel practices.
The Project incorporates tours that engage with local indigenous communities, where visitors
can witness time-honored traditions and savor authentic cuisine.
In Dos Mangas, a
three-hour drive from Guayaquil, travelers will observe creations from local
artisans including the intricate weaving of toquilla straw hats and explore
lush haciendas, where visitors can learn cacao cultivation techniques.
The Kichwa community of
Sinchi Warmi, located four by car from Quito, is highlighted by the Sacha Ñamby
ecological trail.
Travelers here will also gain
insight into the Kichwa indigenous culture and discover traditional hunting
traps, ancestral medicinal methods and plant-based vaporization rituals.
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