New Online Travel Transparency Is Being Tested in Ecuador

Ecuador's Ministerio de Turismo has reformed the bylaw regulating travel agencies and operators in order to create a clearer relationship between companies and consumers, outline rights and obligations for both, as well as clarify the necessary procedures to register agencies and obtain required licenses.

The changes are being watched closely as a potential model elsewhere.

The update in Ecuador put into print what virtual channels, virtual commercialization and tourism packages are in Ecuador. It also included definitions and requirements for agencies and operators, and differentiated wholesale agencies, international travel agencies and dual agencies, that can offer services and also act as operators.

“Until now, an agency didn't need to have a physical office. Now the