Quito, (16/12/2014)  As part of the cruise season in Manta, the Celebrity Infinity, one of the biggest ships in the world, arrived to the Ecuadorian port with 2.117 passengers and 958 crew members.

After the ship anchored in the port, the tourists, most part of them retired citizens from North America and Europe, were received by employers of the Ministry of Tourism. They handed out promotional information in an institutional stand, so the travelers could know why Ecuador is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries.

In order to promote the Ecuadorian traditions, the Municipality of Manta organized an artisanal exhibition at the Civic Square Plaza, where handicrafts made of tagua and paja toquilla were shown, such as Panama hat, which starting on December 2012 was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The cruises’ arrival stimulated the city’s economy, specially, for artisans who participated in the exhibitions that took place at Civic Square Plaza.

Alvenia Rusht, North American tourist, said Ecuador is a country which she was always anxious to visit, because trough the All You Need Is Ecuador campaign she got interested in the wonders this country keeps.

Manta’s Port is one of the cruises’ favorite destinations because of its anchoring facilities and the proximity it has to the city, aspects that promote the touristic activity. It’s also one of the entrance gates to our beautiful Ecuador.