As the Carnival holiday approaches, Santa Elena province in Ecuador is experiencing a surge in accommodation reservations. Popular northern areas such as Montañita, Ayangue, and Olón report reservation rates between 80% and 90%, while coastal zones like Salinas and La Libertad are witnessing around 60% occupancy, according to Luis Tenempaguay from the Provincial Tourism Chamber of Santa Elena. The ongoing monitoring leads to expectations of increased reservations as the holiday weekend nears.

In anticipation of the influx of visitors, a comprehensive security and control plan has been put in place to ensure the safety of tourists arriving in the peninsula. This plan includes the deployment of 700 police officers, 530 military personnel, 50 members of the Salinas Port Authority, and 450 traffic commission security personnel, who will collaborate on operations to manage safety and order. Specific control points will be established at the entrances to the province to facilitate effective monitoring.

The high reservation rates highlight the popularity of the Santa Elena beaches as a destination for both local and national tourists during the Carnaval festivities. This influx not only provides a boost to the local economy through tourism revenue but also reflects the region's readiness to welcome guests with adequate safety measures. As Carnival approaches, local businesses are preparing for increased activity, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with this festive season.