Since 2020, an interdisciplinary research team from EHL Hospitality Business School, the Catholic University in Quito, and the Charles Darwin Research Station at the Galapagos in Ecuador have been studying the challenges associated with tourism dynamics at the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands. This article summarizes the main findings of this collaboration: the carrying capacity of the islands, the sustainability transition of tourism, and the political challenges that have been affecting sustainability efforts in the archipelago.
The Galapagos Islands: A tourist-dependent destination
Although the archipelago has been seen as a sustainable managed case, evidence shows that the pillars on which sustainability principles are based are not often existent. Currently, some policies and practices are devaluing the 'Galapagos destination', not only in terms of service quality and operation standards, but also in terms of natural capital conservation status, upon which the entire tourism machinery relies.
The current research collaboration aims to contribute to the knowledge and management of the post-Covid period, where problems such as resilience, economic recovery, and 'real' sustainable development are critical in a heavily tourist-dependent destination like the Galapagos Islands.
Despite being considered a well-managed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archipelago's social and natural systems continue to face threats. Indeed, despite the Ecuadorian government's efforts to protect the islands' biological system for future generations, the archipelago's current and future status are clearly being impacted by rising human population and visitor numbers.
What is the Tourism Carrying Capacity in Galapagos?
Tourism Carrying Capacity, in general, refers to the number of people that a certain place can accommodate without negatively impacting the environment in terms of culture, society, nature or economy. In other words, it determines how many visits may be accommodated before undesirable consequences arise.
Social Carrying Capacity (SCC), a more specific concept, means the number of tourists over which the social and cultural changes brought about by tourism are no longer accepted by the locals at the destination. This suggests that ‘bad’ experiences had by hosts and visitors could influence the Galapagos Islands' tourism dynamics in the future. In short, from the viewpoint of the hosts, tourism is viewed positively when it creates more job opportunities and economic revenue; however, it takes a negative turn when locals are unhappy with the amount of participation in tourism planning, the unequal distribution of benefits, and the pollution and disturbance of the island's flora and fauna. This specific research project shows some interesting updates concerning SCC based on over 400 residents who gave their opinion on current tourism practices.
Psychographic Carrying Capacity is a measure of how tourists perceive the level of acceptable crowding, among other factors, at a destination. It can be used to forecast future tourism dynamics in addition to comprehending the site's current destination image. The current research surveyed over 600 international tourists and detected that crowdedness and tourists’ behaviours during visit are sensible areas to consider.
Sustainability transition: From overtourism to responsible travel
Transitioning towards responsible tourism isn't just a trend - it's a global imperative, and the Galapagos Islands stand as a unique case study in this crucial shift. Here, the blend of limited tourist infrastructure with robust environmental legislation and a diverse governance model sets the stage for a pioneering approach to sustainable tourism. This isn't simply about preserving the pristine beauty of the islands, it's about securing their economic future. Businesses are waking up to the fact that sustainability is good for both the island´s future and for business. Consumers are increasingly demanding ethical and eco-friendly options, pushing the industry towards change.
However, this transformation isn't without its hurdles. The tourism sector in Galapagos, traditionally conservative and resistant to change, faces a fundamental dilemma: mass tourism versus exclusive, high-end experiences. This choice underscores the need for a multistakeholder perspective where the interests of all parties - from local communities to governmental bodies - are considered. Achieving a sustainable tourism model in Galapagos necessitates a broad consensus among stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to national policies.
For instance, the islands' reliance on imported diesel fuel for energy not only harms the environment but also leaves local communities vulnerable to external suppliers. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is not just an environmental win, it's a step towards local resilience and self-reliance. Estimates suggest that tourism contributes anywhere from 50% to 80% of the islands' GDP, making it the primary source of revenue for the region. With tourism contributing such a substantial portion to Galapagos' GDP, the tourism sector must not only embrace but also lead such initiatives to ensure the long-term viability of the islands' economy and ecosystems.
Nevertheless, progress is underway. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale projects, efforts to promote sustainability in Galapagos span diverse sectors, including fishing, gastronomy, agronomy and hospitality. These initiatives champion sustainable practices, support local livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage, paving the way for a more harmonious coexistence between tourism and the natural environment. By embracing collaboration and innovation, Galapagos is charting a course towards a future where tourism thrives without compromising the unique ecosystems that draw visitors from around the globe.
Institutional challenges of the destination
Moving towards sustainability requires the coordination and articulation of all actors at the different levels of government (national and local) and between institutions. There is also the urgency of incorporating the local community in participatory dialogues in which they can express their concerns regarding their socio-economic well-being but also the conservation of the nature on which they depend. This includes not only the control and management of tourism through monitoring, but also the inclusion of the local community in environmental programs, training and education.
These programs should be part of a comprehensive public policy that ensure the sustainability of the social and ecological systems. This means reducing population growth, as well as the number of tourists coming to the Galapagos. From an environmental perspective, a further challenge is the control of invasive species that affect the survival of the unique species in Galapagos. To ensure this, quarantine and biosecurity systems must be reinforced.
The increase in the entry fee to the national park that will come into effect from August 2024 can be an important opportunity for these funds to reinforce monitoring, control, alongside investing in basic services (water, education, health) for the local community. Ultimately, Galapagos is a socio-ecosystem and its preservation for the current and future generations needs a joint vision.
In conclusion, although the Galapagos Islands are considered an outstanding natural destination in the world, some concerns arise in relation to past and current tourism practices. Addressing these concerns requires a significant change in tourism management and institutional decisions if this unique UNESCO World Heritage site is to implement more sustainable practices and strategies.
Professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador and Principal Investigator at Charles Darwin Foundation
Associate Professor at EHL Hospitality Business School
Scientific Director at Charles Darwin Foundation
MSc Students at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
