Hello there and welcome once again!
Thanks for joining us every week to check out the amazing content that we
strive to develop for you here at Fragata. This time around, we thought
that given the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic and the fact
that it’s going to take a while for everything to turn back to normal with tourism in Galapagos; it would be great if we took this opportunity to take you
on a trip through history regarding that topic in particular!
The islands were once an undiscovered
treasure, filled with wonders only scientists had the chance to explore. Part
of what gave the tourism industry in Galapagos its shape has been
its conservation-focused efforts, which emphasizes the protection of the
animals and their habitats while making the most out of what the islands offer
when it comes to leisure.
Humble beginnings
It turns out that Galapagos was not so much the paradise we all have come to know and love, in the past. It
was a very much unknown place, very rustic, with people dedicated to local
farming and fishing activities. In 100 years, since the Galapagos province was founded in 1832, it was not until the year 1934 that the first cruise ship, the Stella Polaris of Trans Pacific, set sail to show tourists around.
Later, in the year 1959, as the
Charles Darwin foundation was incorporated in Brussels for its contributions to
scientific research and conservation efforts in the islands, and the last penal
colony was shutdown, the Ecuadorian federal government declared the unsettled
and some selected areas of the islands that were populated, to be integrated
into a national park. That prompted a big rehaul of structures that were build
years prior (Docks, airstrips and fuel depots), and so, during the ‘60s, travel activities in between the islands and mainland via flight and sea, started,
with the deployment of several planes and maritime charter vessels.
Skip past a decade and you get the
first guided tours through the National Park, a practice that stands to this day.
Also, the rapid expansion of the industry, with hundreds of people coming in to
enjoy the sight of unique animal species and terribly endearing landscapes. At
that time, ships were the ones to host visitors, as there were no hotels that
could.
Most of the success of tourism in the archipelago during those first years are the byproduct of Ecuador’s
success in the international oil market, which was booming between the 70s and
80s.
Infrastructure for tourism’s
viability was next, and so the necessary investment was made. At least 65
hotels were built in the islands’ territory, before the end of the century,
with at least 2000 tourist coming to stay at Galapagos. In 1985, the
growth seen was exponential, as it jumped from a few foreigners to 18,000 and
then some. Then, it jumped again in 1990, with a total of 41,000 visitors, who
came in that year. 72,000, in the year 2000. On and on it went, and so the Galapagos islands changed into a revenue powerhouse.
An everlasting commitment
Ever since Galapagos was
transformed into the tourism juggernaut that it is today; it was set to
have a significant impact in other aspects of islands’ reality. The continuous
injection of wealth into the colonized parts of the towns in the archipelago
contribute to its ongoing, uninterrupted evolution. Sure, we don’t want to
imply there hasn’t been any problems (Ecuador had some rough years, its
economy plunged and lots of bad stuff happened), but still, it managed. Changes
in infrastructure and architecture around Galapagos have gathered the
praise and awe of those who come, and the experience of touring around the islands
is then so much more than just being surrounded by incredible nature.
The Fragata Yacht team is very proud
to share that part of its history with Galapagos. We find in it many
reasons as to why we should keep on creating the best products for potential
travelers, and we’ll continue to do so, no matter what the circumstances are.
Please, come visit when the time is
right! We’ll make sure you get to experience something incredible!
