A destination often overlooked by world travelers who associate Ecuador with the Galápagos Islands, Cuenca captivated REMOTERS from the very first moment. A masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture, the historic center provided an enchanting backdrop for a stunning traditional procession during our Opening Ceremony.
Supported by the Ministerio de Turismo del Ecuador and the Fundación Municipal de Turismo para Cuenca, our sixth edition was held at some of the city’s most elegant venues. The traditional Teatro Sucre hosted our REMOTE Talks, Seeds and Legacy sessions. Strolling between locations offered opportunities to breathe in the 16th- and 17th-century atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cuenca marked a milestone for REMOTE, as our first event to reach full capacity, completely sold out for both exhibitors and travel designers. It was also the first in which we fully implemented our sustainability methodology to assess and measure the practices of local partners. Results were encouraging — particularly among local hotels, many of which were already making significant progress in reducing plastic bottle consumption and improving water-saving practices.
Afternoon activities allowed visitors to discover the studios where local artisans meticulously craft the world-famous paja-toquilla hats (internationally known as “Panama hats,” despite their Ecuadorian origin). Hikes around the lakes in nearby Cajas National Park, as well as workshops on Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee making, were also part of the curated program — showcasing experiences that are only possible in Ecuador.
