This past summer, Ian Bell, senior project manager for global spa consultancy and think tank, Raison d’Etre, was invited by Mònica Alatorre, dean of hospitality and tourism at UDLA in Quito, Ecuador, to give a presentation to 31 fourth year students currently visiting Puerto Ayora, Galapagos.

Bell focused the lecture on the global wellness industry, the current global wellness trends, and, more specifically, the current wellness offering in Ecuador and the opportunities for Ecuador to grow into a wellness destination.

The students were visiting the Galapagos Islands as part of their fourth semester in order to understand the different tourist destinations Ecuador has to offer. Bell was in the Galapagos Islands working with leading tour operator in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, Metropolitan Touring, in developing their wellness concept and also to open their new spa at Finch Bay – one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of The World.

Speaking from the Galapagos Islands, Bell said, “Ecuadorians take great pride in the extraordinary beauty of their country, especially the Galapagos Islands. Metropolitan Touring considers themselves stewards of the land and works tirelessly to preserve the amazing biodiversity of this pristine haven to the benefit of its inhabitants, visitors, and abundant wildlife. This presents an opportunity to develop a new standard of spa and wellness concepts in Ecuador, by applying the sample principles and passion to the well-being of people. At Raison d’Etre, we are very much looking forward to working with Metropolitan Touring in achieving this as, together, we continue to develop their wellness standards, starting with their spa here at Finch Bay.”