This footage was filmed and produced 11 April 2024.

Storyline:
Ecuador is currently grappling with the repercussions of an internal armed conflict that has severely impacted its tourism sector, once a major economic pillar.

Ecuador, a former tourist heaven in Latin America, is embroiled in an internal armed conflict, after organized crime groups in the country issued threats of "war" on Jan 9, this year. This prompts the country's president to declare a 60-day state of emergency and authorize military operations against these groups.

The worsening security situation has dealt a blow to tourism in Ecuador, which welcomed over 1.5 million international tourists in 2022.

Now Ecuador's streets are patrolled by a considerable number of military and police personnel, and the once-bustling tourist hotspots, such as the Plaza de San Francisco in the capital city of Quito, have seen a noticeable decline in visitors. Hotels are grappling with a dwindling number of guests, while popular tourist and shopping destinations are experiencing a lack of tourists.

The worsening security conditions, coupled with travel advisories issued by numerous countries, have dissuaded many international tourists from considering Ecuador as a travel destination.

Andres Nicolalde, a tourist guide, shed light on the repercussions faced by local tourism professionals.

The decline in the number of tourists has also taken a toll on local businesses over the past months.

Shotlist:
Quito, Ecuador - April 11, 2024:
1. Various of streets, tourist destinations with fewer visitors;
2. Police officer patrolling;
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Raul Garcia, vice president, National Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Ecuador (starting with shot 2):
"We are currently taking strict security measures, and these measures are very complicated and affect international visitors to Ecuador.";
4. Tourists;
5. Plaza de San Francisco;
6. Andres Nicolalde, tourist guide, walking;
7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Andres Nicolalde, tourist guide (partially overlaid with shot 8):
"The state of emergency has put 60 percent of tour guides out of work, and curfews have prevented tourists from reaching their destinations as planned. If these tourists' schedules are curtailed or they lose interest in visiting Ecuador, they will not recommend other tourists to travel here.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
8. Nicolalde in interview;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
9. Various of Lupe Carpio's souvenir shop;
10. Souvenir for sale;
11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Lupe Carpio, owner of souvenir shop (starting with shot 10):
"Our sales are down significantly. The most important thing now is for the government to improve the security situation in Ecuador. If tourists don't feel safe, they won't come back."
12. Various of souvenir for sale.

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