During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Tourism on March 10th of this year, the city of Esmeraldas was declared a new “Magic City of Ecuador”.

The Minister of Tourism, Rosi Prado de Holguin, congratulated the work of the municipality of Esmeraldas and the citizen committee who, after completing a rigorous technical process and a series of requirements, obtained this label which “commits them to continue working hard to promote its natural attractions, culture, gastronomy and other beauties that make Esmeraldas a privileged destination on the Pacific coast”, she said.

For her part, councilwoman Belinda Lara, president of the tourism commission of the municipality of Esmeraldas, invited national and foreign travellers to visit her town and enjoy the sea, the climate, adventure sports and the hospitality of its inhabitants. “Furthermore, we are a privileged destination with a wide range of possibilities for visiting,” he said, announcing that when public health conditions allow, an event will be held to commemorate the declaration of the city as a magic town.

Similarly, Manuel Badillo, head of the Citizens’ Committee, said that the population will continue to work to improve its attractions and offer better experiences to tourists. He added that this designation encourages them to develop more and new initiatives in favour of tourism.

Thus, there are now 19 localities in Ecuador that have been declared “magic cities”. These are: Patate, Alausí, Cotacachi, Zaruma, San Gabriel, Guano, San Antonio de Ibarra, Portoviejo, Rumiñahui, Azogues, Chordeleg, Agua Blanca, Sushufindi, Lago Agrio, Pimampiro, Isla Floreana, Cayambe, El Chaco, Esmeraldas.

The “Magic City” programme

The development of the programme for the “Magic Towns of Ecuador” is the result of an alliance with the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, which, according to the guidelines of the initial Mexican programme, is specifically oriented towards the identification and enhancement of populations with tourism potential, i.e., those that meet the basic conditions necessary for the development of this activity. The programme promotes competitiveness and facilitates the implementation of a local tourism development model, supporting public and private investment initiatives.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador