Quito, (11/12/2014) The restored “La Licuadora” building was officially handed over by the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa. Starting today, this building becomes the new home of the Ecuador´s Ministry of Tourism (Mintur). The President mentioned that this emblematic building restoration is part of the urban revolution that takes place in Quito.

The event was held on Thursday December 11 at Simon Bolivar Square Plaza, after the President, Rafael Correa, hauled the new installations of Mintur (at Gran Colombia Avenue and Briceño Street). The President was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism, Sandra Naranjo, and the Director of Public Sector Property Management Service (INMOBILIAR), Arturo Mejía Granizo.

The Ecuadorian head of State officially handed over to the Minister of Tourism its new home and said that the doors are opened for all citizen. “If this building, previously, was a symbol of plunder, scam, suffer, pain and migration, nowadays it represents the new homeland and the support it give to tourism. Now it is the example of what public means: working for everyone’s service”.

He explained that the renovation of this building were decided in 2012, as part of Quito’s urban revolution and after 12 years of neglect. The property was restored to house 424 employers of this Ministry.

The government conceives tourism as key sector for the integral development of the country. Tourism protects the environment and represents hospitality culture. Also, because it rises the self-esteem of the countries and reinforces the culinary culture. It highlights the History of the country, as well. “A big part of the country’s future falls on tourism and we have everything to be a Leading Tourist Destination”, pointed out the President.

Correa also referred to the international awards that the country has recently received. He emphasized that Ecuador won as World’s Leading Green Destination for second year in a roll at the WTA (World Travel Awards). This reflects the importance of our ecotourism, bird watching, hiking, conscious tourism and green tourism. The President mentioned the recognitions that Ecuador received recently: FinchBay Eco Hotel as World’s Leading Green Hotel, Quito as South America’s Leading Destination for second year; Ecuadorian Train which is nominated for the Travvy Awards for ‘Best Rail Travel Company’ and the Tren Crucero participates to become the ‘Best Rail Experience Worldwide’.

Minister of Tourism, Sandra Naranjo, said that the remodeling and inauguration of “La Licuadora” represents a symbol of the change that Ecuador is living. The building testified one of the worst financial and social crisis that our country went through, when at 2001 Filanbanco (institution that operated at the property) closed its doors because of the crisis. Today, however, the building recovers and brings hope to the people. “We want this building to become the image of the best and most beautiful that our country has. We want it to represent the reasons to feel proud or being Ecuadorian”.

Minister Naranjo said the building’s architecture design, with its large windows and its remodeled structure, reflects the transparency of public management and the solid compromise we work with to better our country. “Doors are open where there’s nothing to hide. This walls of glass reinforce this image of what we are”.

Finally, Naranjo highlighted that Ecuador has a huge potential and that’s why Mintur works to convert tourism in the country’s first source of non-oil revenues. “Let’s all extend a helping hand to make Ecuador an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Let’s continue saying to the world that All You Need Is Ecuador”.

Also present in this activity were the first and second Quito’s Deputy Mayors, Anabel Hermosa and Daniela Chacón; Jiovanny Rivadeneira, delegate of Napo Wildlife Center; director of INMOBILIAR, Arturo Mejía; Promotion Vice-Minister of Mintur, Dominic Hamilton; Management Vice-Minister of Mintur, Luisa González; mass media; Mintur’s employers and neighbors.

During the event, President Correa mentioned some of Quito’s urban regeneration projects: Old San Lazaro Hospital that will be transformed into the Architecture School of Central University; the restoration of Conceptas Square Plaza; a five stars hotel construction that will replace Garcia Moreno.

Correa also spoke about the governmental platforms construction (politic, financial and social platform). He emphasized, nevertheless, that Quito´s Subway construction is fundamental for the correct articulation of the urban regeneration.

“La Licuadora” was inaugurated on December 11, 1973 as an architecture symbol of the city; 41 years later it opens its doors once again, but this time it houses Ecuador´s Ministry of Tourism, which will continue to promote to the world the same message: All You Need Is Ecuador.

See more images of the event here.

MCP