Tourism
Paradise for eco-tourists
Ecuador has established itself as the premier eco-tourism destination in Latin America, with its diverse geography and attractions. No bigger than the US state of Nevada, it is the smallest country in the Andean highlands.Offering everything from Amazonian jungle to active volcanoes and beautiful beaches, as well as the attractions of the far-flung Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is unmissable.
The population of over 13 million is friendly and hospitable, with a number of vibrant cultural traditions. It is 40 percent Indian and 40 percent mestizo, with 15 percent of the population of Spanish descent, and five percent of African descent. The main languages spoken are Quechua and Spanish.
Ecuador’s historic capital Quito has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in South America, with an old town that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Located almost 10,000 feet above sea level and only 14 miles south of the equator, Quito is framed by spectacular snow-covered volcanoes. Quito contains a number of attractive sites, including the country’s oldest church. El Panecillo is the site of a statue of the Virgin of Quito, and from here there are some wonderful views of the old town.
Gladys Eljuri de Alvarez, Minister of Tourism, says the Ministry intends to promote the country more intensively in the international fairs, making Ecuador’s image bigger and causing a greater impact
The American Suites Hotel
“We are eager to receive Americans.”
Ingeniero Marcelo Perez, General Manager
The American Suites Hotel is very centrally located in Quito, just ten minutes from the airport and close to shopping centers, restaurants and major businesses. A full service hotel with 29 apartment-style suites, it also has a cafeteria and catering facilities on site. “We offer an alternative to guests who want a more comfortable and relaxed stay,” explains General Manager Ingeniero Marcelo Perez.
Owned by an investor in South Carolina, the hotel is currently for sale. 80 percent of guests are business travelers who prefer the additional facilities available in the suites in comparison with regular hotels. While the majority of guests were formerly from the United States, now they come from the Andean region.
“Come down and check us out, we are eager to receive Americans,” says Perez. “We are culturally alike, most of us speak the same language, we are a cheap country by US standards, and we are safe. Many opportunities for partnerships and joint ventures exist for American companies.”
Perez believes that Ecuador is a well kept secret that will soon be discovered. “It is significantly safer than its neighbors,” he says, “a democracy with a strong currency that is open to outside investment.”
Four Points Sheraton Quito
“Come and experience the beauty of Ecuador.”
Dario Gonzales, General Manager
The Four Points Sheraton Quito, built five years ago by a group of entrepreneurs and developers in conjunction with local investors, has been a huge success. The hotel’s second tower is now in the process of being built, offering even more choice to visitors.
In January 2004, the property will be awarded #1 worldwide Guest Satisfaction Index winner for the Four Points brand within Starwood chain.
As the closest hotel to the international airport, the Four Points Sheraton Quito has a unique advantage. And with American business travelers comprising 40 percent of clientele, it is expert at catering to this market. It offers an executive floor with a private breakfast, as well as a separate meeting room, concierge service and express check-in. Recently, the internationally famed “Heavenly Bed Program”was also implemented.
138 oversized guest rooms including 10 junior suites, feature broad band High Speed Internet Access in all of them, direct international dialing service, work station, iron and ironing board and coffee maker, minibar, electronic safe deposit.
There are a total of three dining options, offering international cuisine, appetizers and cocktails, and snacks respectively. For relaxation, there is an extensive gym, as well as a sauna and pool. General Manager Dario Gonzales points out that the hotel prides itself on extremely efficient and personalized ser-vice, with a low turnover of staff.
The Four Points Sheraton Quito also offers corporate retreats for business travelers in the beautiful natural environment surrounding the city, Gonzalez points out. “We invite everyone to come and experience the beauty of Ecuador,” he says, “and stay at the Four Points Sheraton.”
Four Point Sheraton Guayaquil
“Business and sheer pleasure”
Pedro I. Serrano Wagner, General Manager
THE FOUR POINTS by SHERATON GUAYAQUIL is one of the city’s greatest successes. A few days after opening its doors to the public, in August 2000 the FOUR POINTS by SHERATON Guayaquil became the hotel with the highest occupancy in all of Ecuador, offering 144 modern rooms. The hotel exceeds the quality standards of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, spacious and comfortable rooms, 24 Hour Room Service, High speed Internet Service in your room or in our business center, it also offers a gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, lounge, sauna, gym, and outdoor pool. The best location in the city of Plaza del Sol, only 3 minutes from Simon Bolivar International Airport, and Mall del Sol, the biggest shopping center in the city, and also next to the Executive Center, where only the finest and most important national and international companies have their offices, only 10 minutes from downtown, 5 minutes to the World Trade Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Expoplaza.
The Hotel recently opened its own Convention Center, with meeting rooms which hold up to 800 people, all with business center, internet service, fax, photocopier, and ample space for parking.
The General Manager, Pedro I. Serrano Wagner, and all of his team invite you to come to The Four Points by Sheraton Guayaquil, “The hotel in Guayaquil where business trips become sheer pleasure” There’s nothing better!
