ENTRY FEE TO DOUBLE FROM $100 TO $200 PER ADULT FROM 1 AUGUST
The Galapagos National Park Authority has announced that from 1 August 2024 the entry fee to visit the Galapagos Islands will increase to $200 per adult. This increase, the first in over 25 years, stands as testament to Ecuador’s commitment to safeguarding the unique ecosystem of the islands, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Megan Parkinson, head of sustainability at the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) says, “Tourism revenue is essential to safeguarding the future of the unique and delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. I am encouraged to see this increase, demonstrating Ecuador’s commitment to sustainable, positive impact tourism. I am certain the increased funding for conservation and community projects will be hugely beneficial and will be felt by both residents and visitors to the islands.”
The Government of Ecuador has stated that the funds will be directly channelled into conservation initiatives, infrastructural upgrades, and community programs aimed at mitigating tourism’s ecological footprint on the islands.
“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,” commented Niels Olsen, Minister of Tourism. “The adjustment in the entry fee, the first in 26 years, is a necessary measure to ensure that tourism in the Galápagos remains sustainable and mutually beneficial to both the environment and our local communities.”
The Government of Ecuador remains committed to transparency and pledges to provide regular updates on the projects and initiatives funded through the entry fees. Visitors to the Galapagos
Islands can anticipate enhanced conservation efforts, upgraded facilities, and educational programs aimed at cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of the islands’ natural heritage.
Comments from LATA tour operator members
“The increase in Galapagos Park fees, though not unexpected, comes at a difficult time for Ecuador’s tourism industry. Numbers of bookings have decreased dramatically after negative publicity in global media following political troubles earlier in the year. For the Galapagos National Park the long term effect will be beneficial, once visitor numbers return. Protecting the natural environment comes at a cost, which in part, is passed on to visitors. One hopes that the authorities will honour their pledge to be transparent and show that a good proportion of the revenue will actually go towards conservation of this unique archipelago”. David Horwell, owner of Select Latin America and author of the Bradt Guide to Galapagos Wildlife
“This is a move which is long overdue. If we are to protect nature effectively, we need to put a value on it. The Galapagos Park authority is uniquely well placed to do just that. When compared to the fees charged to spend a couple of hours in the company of mountain gorillas in central Africa (between $400-1,500) even doubling the park fees to $200 for a full week in the islands barely touches the sides. Back when the fees were set at $100, that represented as much as 10% of the cost of a week-long liveaboard. Nowadays it is routinely 1 or 2%. The balance between private profit and public resourcing has slid far too far away from nature. The park authority can be braver and look to set the park fee as a fixed 4% of a cruise cost with a minimum of $200 per visitor.” Thomas Power, co-founder at CEO of Pura Aventura
Tourism should play a key role in affording the world’s natural assets a tangible commercial value and in doing so, protect them. For this to really work, governments and private enterprises need to work together to ensure tourism pays the true value for the services that nature provides. While doubling the Galapagos National Park fee is a positive step towards this goal (albeit long overdue), as a percentage of the total cost of a holiday to the Galapagos, $200 is no more than 2-3%…is this really a fair price for the services that nature provides to tourism on the Galapagos? Respect to Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism for pushing through this change however, transparency is now vital to substantiate the correlation between higher park fees and improved infrastructure and conservation. When the benefits of enhanced fees are made plain to see, the authorities should feel emboldened to make further increases. Jarrod Kyte, Steppes Travel
“We welcome the increase in the Galápagos National Park entrance fees that will come into effect in August. This is the first time in 26 years that there has been an increase to the fee – which aims to support this precious ecosystem – and a review of the cost was very much needed. The Galápagos archipelago is home to a phenomenal array of trusting bird and reptile species as well as undersea marine animals. The doubling of the entrance fees from $100 to $200 USD per adult will provide a significant increase in funds to assist with the protection of the Galápagos Islands and demonstrates a positive step in Ecuador’s commitment to sustainable travel” Stuart Whittington, Head of Product for Journey Latin America
“We welcome the increase in entrance fees to the Galapagos National Park. The archipelago is home to unique flora and fauna, is an important area for scientific research, and is one of the greatest wildlife wonderlands for eco-minded visitors. The doubling of fees to $200 still allows tourists to spend up to two weeks exploring the islands, but will greatly increase the money available to the authorities for conservation and preservation, at a time when this work is more urgent than ever”. Sam Gough, founder of Travel Differently
“Here at Distinctive Americas we welcome the park fee increase. Whilst it may have doubled from its previous level of $100 per person, it is the first increase in over 25 years, so it’s fair to say it’s well overdue. The extra revenue generated will fund conservation, community programs and infrastructure that will help to safeguard the future of this unique archipelago and its wildlife.
So it’s a small price for current visitors to pay forward for the benefit of future generations.” Daniel Benians, Managing Director at Distinctive Americas
“Given that Galapagos entry fees have stayed consistent for more than 25 years, we are delighted that this relatively small increase in the overall cost of visiting the Galapagos will help contribute to the continued safeguarding of this truly unique and globally important natural asset. The new rate still compares favourably with other iconic wildlife experiences such as gorilla trekking, and helps mitigate the risk of overtourism and its resultant ecological footprint.” Mark Beken, Head of Latin America, The Explorations Company
“For me, the raised fee represents the tug of war between conservation and tourism that will continue to be a challenge as long as tourism on the islands keeps growing. On balance, I’m positive about the increase. Annual tourist numbers represent more than five times the actual population of the islands, and while we contribute enormously to the economy of the Galapagos, we’re using community and governmental resources and infrastructure (from recycling and waste disposal to clinics and pharmacies) that could benefit from improvements. The improvements and additional funds for conservation will help protect and preserve the islands for the tourism of the future – I see it as paying it forward!” Carmel Hendry, Product Manager, The Americas, Explore Worldwide
For more information on the new entry fee structure and how the funds will be used, please visit gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec