Marketing Tourism In The Galapagos Islands: Ecotourism Or Greenwashing?

The Galápagos Islands, despite their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger due to tourism pressures, face significant challenges from greenwashing in the ecotourism sector. A study analyzed the marketing claims of 12 ecotourism operators against the Mohonk Agreement criteria for responsible ecotourism, revealing that nearly all (92%) engaged in greenwashing—promoting environmentally friendly practices while failing to meet conservation or community welfare standards. This misrepresentation exacerbates ecological threats, including invasive species introduction and habitat degradation, undermining genuine conservation efforts. The findings highlight the urgent need for standardized certification and stricter oversight to ensure ecotourism aligns with its ethical and environmental goals.

Self, R. M., Self, D. R., & Bell-Haynes, J. (2010). Marketing Tourism In The Galapagos Islands: Ecotourism Or Greenwashing? International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER), 9(6). https://doi.org/10.19030/iber.v9i6.590