New rates to enter Galapagos: Next step or behind?

The government of Galápaid announcementó the applicationón of new rates in the fees to enter the Gal National Parkápaid: ¿One step forward or backás?

Last 24 February 2024, the Governing Council of the RéSpecial moan Galápaid approvaló the updateón of the conservation income rateón of the áprotected areas in the archipiélago. This measure, that has not beeníhas been modified in the úlast 26 años, has generated mixed reactions among travelers and the local community.

Even, I askedé in my X account about whaté did you think, followers of the blog and the reactions were múmultiple, although they bowed más towards supporting this measure, that seeks to stop the accelerated growth of tourism in Galápaid.

New rates to enter Galápaid

And reunionón extraordinary, with five votes in favor and four against, the Plenary of the Government Council of the RéSpecial Gal moanáapproved paymentsó the updateón of the conservation income rateón of the áprotected areas in the archipelagoélago.  These values ​​areán in force in 6 months.

The new values:

• Nationals: $30 (before $6)
• Foreign: $200 (before $100)

It is unknown if travelers from paíits from the Andean Community Mercosur maintainsán a differentiated rate, since until now they pay $50 O $25 if they are adults or minors 12 años.

The debate

Now comes the pol partémica of this measure, ¿Is it good or bad? It certainly depends on the point of view of each reader., of their reality or even if they live off tourism in the Islands.

what i knowí Eastá of course it is that Galápaid must be cared for and protected, understanding that it is not a beach más how Delún, but it is a natural reserve of care and interestés worldwide, You must have strict control of your visitors, but also understandingén there are many other problems on the islands such as introduced pests such as cats, dogs, goats and others.

As I said above, I asked the question iní así:

Profits:

• Financing for conservationón: The funds raised will go toán to the protectionón of biodiversity única de galápaid, including the fight against invasive species, the management of the áprotected areas and researchón científica.
• Sustainable development of local communities: I know how to investá in educational projectsón, health, environmental sanitation and other services bámeasures to improve the quality of life of Gal residentsápaid.
• Tourism control: The new rate seeks to regulate the flow of visitors and promote more tourism.ás responsible and sustainable.

Negative aspects:

• Impact on tourism: The increase in the price of the rate couldíto discourage some travelers from visiting Galápaid, especially those on tight budgets, affecting the income of the tourism sectorístatic that depend on this segment.
• Inequity: The significant difference between the rate for nationals and foreigners couldíto generate a perceptionódiscriminationón in the different groups of travelers.
• Lack of transparency: There is concernón about the lack of informationón clear and precise about cóhow to useán funds raised, on real reversión on the islands and their people más not in bureaucratic expensesáticos or help to your main objective.

Además, let's not forget that this is not the úonly value that travelers pay, The new rates are dueá add the value of $20 what have the Tr Control Cardánsito that all travelers must acquire in Quito, Guayaquil and Manta.

In conclusionón, the updateón of the entrance fee to the Gal National Parkápayments is a measure with the potential to generate important benefits for conservation.ón and the sustainable development of the archipélago. Nevertheless, It is important to consider the possible negative consequences and ensure transparency in management.ón of funds raised.

¿Whaté What do you think about the new rates?? Share your opinionón in the comments…