President Daniel Noboa has appointed Mateo Julián Estrella Durán as Ecuador’s new Minister of Tourism. Estrella Durán possesses a wealth of experience in tourism management, international relations, and sustainable development, demonstrating a strong dedication to elevating Ecuador’s status as a premier global destination. Previously, he served as an advisor at the Ministry of Tourism, where he played a crucial role in implementing strategies that significantly enhanced Ecuador’s presence in international markets. Furthermore, he has led the Ecuadorian Association of Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel, promoting environmentally sustainable practices and fostering community partnerships to support more inclusive economic growth.
“I am honored to be appointed to this important role and continue highlighting Ecuador’s diverse tourism offerings to the world. Ecuador offers a unique array of experiences across its ‘Four Worlds’ ranging from the lush biodiversity of the Amazon and the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes to the vibrant coastal culture, and the unique wildlife of the Galápagos,” stated Estrella Durán. “Together, with the vibrant Ecuadorian tourism industry and our travel partners throughout the world, we will work to showcase the best of Ecuador, fostering sustainable growth, enriching visitor experiences, and ensuring that our tourism sector continues to thrive.”
In his new position, Estrella Duran is focused on enhancing public-private partnerships, increasing Ecuador’s footprint in emerging tourism markets, and introducing digital innovations to improve the experiences of tourists. His background in formulating comprehensive tourism strategies and his knowledge of Ecuador’s varied regions will be instrumental in marketing the country as a destination catering to a wide range of interests, including eco-tourism and cultural exploration. In addition to his tenure at the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, Estrella Duran has held the roles of general manager and president of Ecuaresorts S.A., where he managed the IBIS hotel franchise in Ecuador, further solidifying his expertise in hospitality and tourism. Academically, he has been a faculty member at the Faculty of Hospitality Sciences at the University of Cuenca for the last twenty years and possesses master’s degrees in Sustainable Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations from the University of Jaén, Spain, and Tourism Destination Management from the University of Catalonia.
