The Galápagos National Park Authority has announced that the fee for foreigners to enter the islands will double from August 1, while Ecuadorians will pay six times more than previously. The fee allows visitors to stay and explore the islands for up to two weeks.
Foreign adult visitors have been charged an entry fee of US$100 (R1 900) for over 25 years. This will go up to $200 (R3 800) per adult, and the fee for Ecuadorian locals will be $30 (R570).
The islands have been suffering food shortages, and the delicate ecosystem has been adversely affected by mass tourism. Authorities in Ecuador increased the fee to combat these damaging effects.
The increase may seem steep but it will inject $40 million (R760 million) annually into the Galápagos economy. The significant boost in funds will be channelled towards implementing more sustainable tourism practices and improving the islands’ infrastructure, including sewage systems and medical facilities.
“The Galápagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations,” said Niels Olsen, Ecuadorian Tourism Minister.
