Galapagos Economy

Galapagos economy is determined mainly by the tourism industry.

The fishing segment is also important to the economy of Galapagos and its inhabitants.

Because of the increase of visitors as well as of environmental scientists to the Islands, the economy and population of Galapagos is growing day by day.

People all over Ecuador think that they can have a better living in Galapagos. But this is not always true.


 

The truth is that only approximately 15 % of the income generated by tourism enters to the Galapagos economy.

The rest of the profits go to big travel companies that offer Galapagos tours directly from mainland Ecuador, national airlines serving the islands, luxury cruise ships and boats, providing little benefit to the islands inhabitants.

Tourists, who choose cruise ships to visit Galapagos, contribute much less to the economy of the Islands.

While those who prefer to stay at hotels inside the Islands, eat at local restaurants and hire local tours, contribute in a higher degree to the Galapagos economy. Click here to request Free Galapagos Brochures

Because the population in the Galapagos has almost tripled in the last ten years the Ecuadorian government has passed laws to restrict migration to the Islands and take more control over tourism in an effort to preserve the unique wildlife and ecology of the Archipelago.



This is why the Galapagos Islands are still offering breathtaking experiences for tourists and, at the same time has become an example of well managed Ecotourism worldwide.

Since 1970 visitors have increased more than ten times, and so the Galapagos National Park with its scientists, guides and rangers have been constantly working to create a model for low-impact and high-quality ecotourism, which up until now it has been a good work.

Each year there are more than 120,000 visitors to the Islands which represents around $ 100 million dollars of income a year.

About 2/3 of the population in Galapagos are directly involved in the tourism activity.

More About Galapagos:

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Marine Life of the Galapagos: A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never seen before, and rich with stunning color photography and underwater shots. (Also a very good book).

More Galapagos Books and Souvenirs

Web www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com

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