Visit Quito, the Metropolitan Public Company for Tourism Destination Management, has just been distinguished by Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) with the Quality Mark Q, in recognition of the work that it does to strengthen the quality of service delivery, under the framework of the Year of Tourism Quality, which the MINTUR has declared for 2015.

In the words of Sandra Naranjo, the Minister of Tourism: “We can ensure that tourism is at its best - it is an activity that has great potential to generate income and employment. One in every twenty jobs is in the tourism sector”.

The General Manager of Visit Quito, Luz Elena Coloma, took part in the event and congratulated the work of the Minister in strengthening Tourism Quality. “We will be part of any initiative that allows us to achieve excellence in tourism for the country”.

Among the tourism quality procedures being implemented by Visit Quito, are technical rules to improve the service of tourist facilities and create safe and sanitary facilities, with facilities for people with special needs, among other requirements, always aimed at offering service excellence to tourists.

As the gateway to Ecuador and visited by more than 50% of the tourists coming into the country, Quito has many attractions. Most notable is the largest and best-preserved historic centre in South America, which earned Quito the honour of being the first city, along with Krakow, to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. La Ronda is one of the city’s most historic streets where visitors can permeate the colourful and traditional life of its inhabitants. In stark contrast is the modern district of La Mariscal, which has countless restaurants, bars and entertainment and has recently been declared a Special Tourist Zone, together with the Historic Centre.

On the outskirts of Quito, visitors will find countless attractions to suit all tastes: trekking and cycling routes in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, excursions to Mitad del Mundo (Centre of the World) and Bosque Nublado (Cloud Forest), days relaxing in the hot springs of Papallacta or an interesting train ride through the Andes, from Quito to the coast of Ecuador.

In short, Quito has great potential and this has resulted in the city being chosen as South America’s Leading Destination in the World Travel Awards - considered to be the Oscars of the tourism industry - in both 2013 and 2014. This year, Quito has received a nomination for the third time consecutively, confirming the city’s important tourist positioning.

Visit Quito not only looks after its architectural and cultural heritage, but also its culinary tradition, which has positioned the city as a culinary destination. The flavours of Quito are experiencing a new phase in which chefs, cooks, researchers, private companies and public institutions have joined forces to rescue their history and authenticity and promote a new tourist offering that will dazzle the world. In turn, religious tourism is becoming a major force in Quito. So much so that its Holy Week, is becoming one of the most visited in Latin America.

Visit Quito’s objective in 2015 is to become the best organisation dedicated to the management of a South American tourist destination, being recognised as a well-respected public company in Ecuador, with a team that is committed to turning Quito into the best touristic experience for visitors.