Galapagos to be fully vaccinated by month’s end

Ecuador aims to inject life back into its tourism industry by ensuring its biggest tourist attraction - the Galapagos Islands - is the very first province to be fully immunised against COVID-19. By the end of May, the entire adult population of over 30,000 is expected to have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Local tourism providers, including ZuBlu partners Ecoventura, sponsored the logistical costs for delivering medical supplies, and the equipment necessary to carry out the vaccination process with careful bio-safety measures. This included flights, food and accommodation for medical professionals. The move is hoped to kickstart the successful economic recovery which is hugely dependent on tourism. In fact, the amount typically spent by tourists visiting the Galapagos each year exceeds the country’s $290m vaccine budget. 

Operators have also implemented strict procedures to ensure the safety of their guests, including creating COVID-free bubbles for staff, as well as providing staff with vaccines and weekly COVID-tests. Ecoventura, and other local operators, have been using similar safety protocols since the Galapagos Islands reopened to tourism last summer - delivering safe and enjoyable voyages.