A tax increase to enter Galapagos is being analyzed by the State

In July 2019, the Minister of Tourism, Rosi Prado de Holguín, revealed that the State was analyzing an increase in the value of the Entrance Rate to the Galapagos National Park.

On August 22, 2019, the Governing Council of the Special Galapagos Regime (Cgreg) announced the approval of the increase.

In the session, the Plenary Session received an ‘analysis of studies carried out regarding the increase in the tourist rate’. There it is pointed out, as issues to consider, that in Galapagos there are two protected areas: the National Park and the Marine Reserve. Also, it is a World Heritage Site.

In addition, that the current collection table is valid for 21 years. That the value of the dollar has been impacted by inflation, among other points. In the presentation made that day to the Plenary Session of the Government Council, the values ​​of other parks in the world are compared. For example, it is mentioned that the cost of a ticket to Disney is USD 109 for a day in a park for all people over 10 years. Or that the value of the entrance to the Volcano National Park of Rwanda (Africa) costs up to USD 1,500 for two days.

Currently, the collection table establishes: USD 100 for a foreigner over 12 years and USD 50 for foreigners under 12 years. The rate is USD 6 for Ecuadorians over 12 years, and $3 for the ones below 12.

According to a study presented, there is a predisposition of tourists to pay an increase in the entrance fee to Galapagos. The current one has been in force since 1992, so one of the recommendations presented is to establish a minimum and maximum term for future updates of the collection table. All this in order to counteract inflation.

Source: El Comercio