Why Galapagos Islands turn away tourists: to safeguard ecosystems that are ‘the crown jewel’
Ecuadorean authorities limit visitor numbers in the pristine archipelago to preserve its unique fauna and flora. But it’s a tough ask for a country whose economy is reliant on hard-currency earnings and looking to increase tourism
With its giant tortoises, crested black iguanas and huge ocean manta rays, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful places you will probably never visit.
Why not? Who wouldn’t want to go to a white sand beach and soak up some sun alongside a lounging iguana or surf in waters with a rainbow of tropical fish below?
But to protect the flora, fauna and ecosystems of this Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Ecuador is in the odd position of having to turn away millions of would-be tourists each year.
Keeping a tight lid on tourism is the way the South American country has preserved this volcanic string of 19 large islands, dozens of islets and rocky outcroppings.
Authorities wage this fight as global tourism grows and grows – it was up seven per cent last year according to the World Tourism Organisation – and they must resist the temptation to let in hordes of visitors, their pockets bulging with dollars.
