Ecuadorian chocolate up for grabs in agency incentive

Ecuador has launched a travel agent incentive for summer 2023 to promote one of the destination’s most important products: cacao.

Travel agents can register Ecuador bookings to win samples of Ecuadorian chocolate, bearing the exclusive “Ecuador, The Origin of Cacoa” trademark.

Cacao was discovered by the Mayo Chinchipe Marañón, who were the first people to consume the seed from which chocolate is made 5,300 years ago.

For a chance to win one of 10 prizes of Ecuador’s chocolate and other goodies, agents are encouraged to share their Ecuador bookings – registered between June 6 and July 31 – with ecuador@wearelotus.co.uk.

Neils Olsen Peet, Ecuador’s tourism minister, said: “We’re very pleased to see the UK travel industry increasing touring opportunities in Ecuador and shining a light on our diverse tourism offering, and lesser-trodden areas such as the island of Isabela.

“Travel agents play a huge role in raising awareness of our unique culture, heritage and geography, and so we are delighted to reward bookings made over the next month with our exquisite Ecuadorean chocolate, the best cacao born in the heart of the world.”

The destination is also showcasing new tours, sellable via the travel trade.

Tours include the chance to hike to a volcano with Journey Latin America; trek on the island of Isabela in the remote Galapagos archipelago with Exodus; explore Quito and Cuenca with Rainbow Tours; and sail around the central Galapagos islands with Intrepid Travel.

Ecuador will also be promoting its gastronomy during the Latin American Travel Association’s Lata Expo event in London (June 19-21).

There will be a Taste of Ecuador evening event and a dedicated coffee shop at the Battersea Evolution venue.

More: Agents invited to attend trade programme at Lata Expo in June