Sustainability in Banos

The buzz word in the Ecudorian tourism industry is "sustainability". Each and every goverment document that refers to tourism emphasizes "sustainability". Apart from being a politically correct word, is sustainability really a reality in Ecuador? Certainly not in Banos. Visit the official website of Banos tourism authority (http://www.baniosadn.com.ec/   It says "Uno de los centros turísticos más completos del Ecuador, posee una importante oferta turística, naturaleza única y biodiversa, gente amable y acogedora, el lugar ideal para visitar" (One of the most complete tourism centres in Ecuador. The tourism offer is important: unique nature, biodiversity, wonderful and welcoming people). I have spent one night in Banos. Biodiversity was replaced by noisy 4 wheel motorbike and off road buggies. The town used to have a bohemian atmosphere that I loved. Cafes have been replaced by cheap shops. Sustainability is also about providing tourists an experience consistent with the message delivered through marketing communication. This is my farewell to Banos. I hope that Ecuador would start living its promise of being a sustainabile destination.

Avoid Hotel Sangay!

I have recently spent one night at Hotel Sangay in Banos. I have spent USD 120 per night (half board) for a room of around 12 sqm including the bathroom. Published rate are well below what I have spent (check the link for published rates http://www.sangayspahotel.com/html/en/rates.htm). I have complained with the receptionist. She said "go somewhere else". I cannot find any reason to go back to Hotel Sangay. Extremely poor service, poor food, awful room. There are plenty of other accommodations in Banos.

The purpose of this blog

After getting my PhD in tourism at The University of Queensland, I have moved to Ecuador. I love this country. The purpose of this blog is to post my opinions about what is happening in the field of tourism in Ecuador. I will also share with the readers the good and bad experiences I had while travelling around this country. Somebody might consider my posts as a valuable contribution to the Ecuadorian tourism system or to all those people who are planning a trip here. However the only aim of my my posts is to share my experiences and my feelings. I would be grateful if you could share with me your experiences in Ecuador.