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From Pre-Pandemic to Post-COVID-19: Tracking Shifts in Visitors’ Profiles in Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Author

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  • Andrea Muñoz-Barriga

    (Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador
    Charles Darwin Foundation, Charles Darwin Ave., Puerto Ayora 200102, Ecuador)

  • Anna Öckler

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Management, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Emilio Damian Andrade

    (Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Kevin Rojas

    (Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted tourism systems worldwide, particularly ecologically sensitive and tourism-dependent regions such as the Galapagos Islands. This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on profiles of tourists visiting Santa Cruz Island by comparing an analysis from 2019 to data we gathered in 2021. Using survey-based data and cluster analysis, we identified significant shifts in tourist origin, travel modalities, and expenditure patterns. Results showed a marked increase in domestic tourism, with Ecuadorians becoming the dominant visitor group during the pandemic, primarily favoring land-based tourism and shorter stays. In contrast, international tourists remained present in niche, higher-spending segments associated with cruise-based and multi-island itineraries. These findings highlight a temporary yet meaningful transformation in the tourism dynamic, driven by changes in risk perception, economic factors, and policy restrictions. The emergence of these segments underscores the need for adaptive destination management strategies that align with sustainability goals, conservation priorities, and socioeconomic resilience. We also demonstrated the value of structured surveys as a cost-effective tool for evidence-based decision-making in resource-constrained settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Muñoz-Barriga & Anna Öckler & Emilio Damian Andrade & Kevin Rojas, 2025. "From Pre-Pandemic to Post-COVID-19: Tracking Shifts in Visitors’ Profiles in Santa Cruz, Galapagos," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8302-:d:1750453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. José Antonio Donaire & Núria Galí & Raquel Camprubi, 2021. "Empty Summer: International Tourist Behavior in Spain during COVID-19," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Mihaela-Iuliana Desculțu Grigore & Amalia Niță & Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Mirela Mazilu, 2024. "Geotourism, a New Perspective of Post-COVID-19-Pandemic Relaunch through Travel Agencies—Case Study: Bucegi Natural Park, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-49, January.
    3. Carlos Peixeira Marques & Alexandre Guedes & Ricardo Bento, 2022. "Rural tourism recovery between two COVID-19 waves: the case of Portugal," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(6), pages 857-863, March.
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