InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced Guayaquil will be the luxury hospitality brand’s first destination in Ecuador. InterContinental Guayaquil will welcome guests with inspired interiors, elevated amenities and culturally rich experiences that provide insider expertise to all the destination has to offer. Located in Guayaquil’s exclusive Samborondón district, the hotel is set to open in 2027.

A&K Travel Group Ltd has announced an equity partnership with Santiago Dunn and his company, Ecoventura, a leader in sustainable travel in the Galapagos Islands. The partnership foresees an equity investment in Ecoventura as well as the creation of a joint venture, headed by Santiago Dunn in his new role as CEO of A&K South America.

Abercrombie & Kent reports that Latin America has quickly risen the ranks of culinary talent to become one of the world’s gourmet hotspots after a record four regional restaurants made it into the top 10 at the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards, unveiling essential destinations for the travelling gourmand.

andBeyond has partnered with optics manufacturer SWAROVSKI OPTIK to create a selection of specialised itineraries that have been designed specifically to cater for birding fanatics while also providing an outstanding travel experience for their non-birding companions.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World has welcomed its first-ever water-based member to its portfolio. Kontiki Yacht Expeditions offers a new and sustainable “Neo-Luxury” way to explore destinations off the coast of Ecuador.

Latin Trails is an inbound tour operator for Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. As a Destination Management Company (DMC) it specialises in custom planned trips, with a focus on delivering unique experiences, especially with its Galapagos Cruises.

In spring 2018, Quito’s iconic mansion house hotel, Casa Gangotena, will launch a heritage and history package celebrating the 40th anniversary of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status.