International Market for Ecotourism in Indigenous Ecuador Territories

As the Ecotourism Market Analyst for USAID Proyecto Caiman in Quito, EplerWood International conducted an international market study for the development of ecotourism projects in the highly biodiverse Huaorani and Awa indigenous territories. EplerWood International teamed with Arnaldo Rodriguez of Green Consulting to conduct an analysis of independent travelers, tour operators, and non-profit travel vendors to uncover the key determinants for market success within the region. Market competition among indigenous groups was explored to understand how new projects could differentiate themselves from existing operations. Many of the recommendations resulting from this report guided the development of a new Huaorani Ecolodge now in operation.

LINKS

• Huaorani Ecolodge