Galapagos Islands attracting high-end Indians

Equadaor has been looking at the India market as a segment of high-end Indian tourists have been visiting Galapagos Islands in recent times. “We know that Indians are looking for new and special destinations and Equador is exactly that. Galapagos Island is a great destination. Equador is not well known in India so we have come to India to promote Equador and market our products,” said Jessica Meza de Haugan, partner, Haugan Cruises, which is a part of Columbus Travel agency. The company is one of Equador’s leading travel agency that also has a hotel, a jungle lodge, a Spanish school and foundation for volunteer programmes.

The major tourist market for Equador is the US ( almost 60 per cent), followed by Europe, and in recent times Japan and China. India market is starting to emerge. “Equador is a small country and within half an hour reach different regions, and you can make it a base for visiting other South American countries. You can find all the key attractions of South America in Equador – the deserts of Chile, Brazil’s Amazon forest, Bolivia’s Atlas mountains,” stated Haugan. Galapagos Island is the main attraction. The cruise starts from Galapagos, one has to fly to the island that has two airports and to which airport one flies to depends on the itinerary of the cruise.

Most common is eight day itinenery, minimum is four days. The best way to visit Galapagos is in smaller boats as they reach different areas where big ships cannot go. Haugan Cruises has catamarans that gives a lot of privacy to the high end clientele and also ensures a luxurious vacation. All cabins have private balconies. The crew of 12 offer personalised service.“There is also a huge variety of vegetarian food upon request, and Indian clients have been amazed,” said Haugan, pointing out that because of certain licenses any boat can carry only 16 passengers. In Galapagos conservation is a very important aspect and there is a limit to the number of people who can visit every year. Mainland Equador also has a lot to offer. The company also has an office in Peru and if tourists add four more days to their trip in Equador, they can visit Macchu Picchu as well.

The target is high-end tourists. Indians can get visa on arrival. There are regular flights via New York (four and a half hours duration), Miami, Iberia from Madrid and KLM from Amesterdam – the duration of flight from both European airports is 10 hours.

Dec 2011