Formalization of Event Organizers as a Tourism Activity in Ecuador: Legal Analysis and Sector Development Perspectives after the 2024 Tourism Law Reform
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/n6cn7e43Keywords:
MICE tourism, event management, tourism formalization, tourism legislation, meetings tourismAbstract
The reform introduced through the Organic Law for the Strengthening of Tourism Activities and Employment Promotion of 2024 formally incorporated event, congress, and convention organizers as a regulated tourism activity in Ecuador, representing a significant change within the national tourism legal framework. This study aimed to analyze the legal and sectoral impact of this reform regarding the formalization, registration, and professionalization of event organizers within Ecuadorian MICE tourism. The research was developed under a qualitative approach through documentary review, legal-comparative analysis, and specialized literature review on meetings tourism, event management, and sector professionalization. Additionally, the national tourism registry was examined to identify the current status of records related to event activities in the country. The results showed that the reform strengthens formalization and administrative control mechanisms through the mandatory Tourism Registry and Annual Operating License requirements. However, limitations persist regarding the statistical classification of the sector due to the grouping of event organizers, banquet halls, and convention centers within the same registry structure. It is concluded that the legal recognition of event organizers represents a significant step toward strengthening MICE tourism in Ecuador, although complementary policies aimed at professionalization, specialized statistical generation, and consolidation of technical standards for the sector are still required.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Leonardo Garaicoa Fuentes, Odalys Nicole Rivera Zambrano, Jaime Xavier Rodríguez Jaen, Melani Betzaida Rivas Estrada, Tamara Isabel Freire Villamar, Nesly Melany Choez Pozo (Autor/a)
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