Tour Operators Seek Out Ecoventura For Family Expedition Cruises in Galapagos That Promise Focus on Sustainable Tourism
Travel companies who want clients with families to experience sustainable travel on a Galapagos cruise rely on Ecoventura’s eco-friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos region.
“Active travel companies who share our conservation mission increasingly target Ecoventura, especially when it comes to the family market where parents are concerned that the Galapagos experience communicate ecology and sustainability,” said Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s Director of Sales & Marketing.
Welsh pointed out that “obviously clients have booking options and can go through a travel agent who we hope is aware of Ecoventura (https://www.ecoventura.com/), or clients can book a package with top tour operators specializing in family travel and with whom Ecoventura frequently partners.” Clients can also opt to book directly with Ecoventura that maintains a sales office in Miami.
Agents and tour companies can offer the advantage of helping a client with their air travel logistics and pre and post lodging plus cruise extensions. Many tour operators will package an Ecoventura 8-day cruise with extra days before or after exploring the regions of mainland Ecuador or Peru, Welsh points out.
Welsh noted that family travel accounts for a growing percentage of Ecoventura’s Galapagos cruise business. Ages 12 and up can join trips throughout the year. Families with kids ages seven and up are welcomed to travel on any designated Family Departure (including Family Teen and Family Graduation trips) that target families who enjoy the companionship of other families with children of similar ages.
Welsh points out, “What sets Ecoventura apart from others in the Galapagos is the fact that we will dedicate one entire yacht just for families, and when demand is stronger, we have one boat for families with younger age children and one with teenagers. You will not find that on other vessels in Galapagos.”
Activities for the youngest adventurers include a visit to the bridge, learning about navigational charts and how to tie nautical knots with the captain. In addition to games and activities, the vessels stock masks, fins, wetsuits and life vests in children’s sizes. Children-friendly menus are offered in addition to adult fare. Trips for teens ages 12 to 17 and for graduates ages 17 to 21 are more physically active and optimize the longer trails and varied sea kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Children up to age 11 receive 25% discount and teens age 12 to 17 receive 15% discount off Ecoventura cruise rates.
Following is a schedule of 2011 departure dates targeting families that still have cabins available: Special Graduation Trips: May 29-June 5 and June 5-12; Family Adventures: June 26-July 3, July 3-10, July 10-17, July 31-Aug 7, Aug. 7-14, Aug. 14-21 and Aug. 21-28; Family Teen: June 12-19, June 19-26, June 26-July 3, July 17-24, July 24-31, Aug. 7-14, Aug. 14-21, Aug. 21-28; Holiday Family: Nov. 20-27, Dec. 18-25, Jan. 1-8 (2012); Holiday Family Teen Dec. 18-25, Dec. 25-Jan. 1 (2012).
Welsh noted that the following high-end tour operators regularly send their family business to Ecoventura: in the US, Wildland Adventures, Austin-Lehman Adventures, Journeys International, Southern Explorations, Vaya Adventures, Adventure Life and Expedition Trips; in the UK, Audley Latin America, Last Frontiers and Steppes Latin America.
About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.
To reserve a cabin or private charter, please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to www.ecoventura.com/.
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For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact:
For Immediate Release
Ecoventura / Galapagos Network
CONTACT: Doris Welsh
Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com
Website: www.ecoventura.com/
Phone: 800.633.7972
