The recent Carnival holiday in Ecuador's Manabí province saw local cantons Manta and Portoviejo achieve remarkable economic gains, with a total revenue of $20.5 million reported. Manta led the way with an impressive $15.5 million, attributed to the influx of 310,000 tourists who flocked to the region for its stunning 14 beaches, rich culinary offerings, and a diverse array of sports, cultural, and musical events. The municipality noted that hotel occupancy reached 97%, marking a two-point increase from the previous year, which highlights the growing appeal of the region as a tourist destination.

In Portoviejo, particularly the Crucita area, over 170,000 visitors were attracted to the Carnival festivities. A significant draw was the international concert, which alone attracted more than 60,000 attendees, showcasing Crucita's burgeoning role as a venue for large-scale events. This spike in tourism not only benefited local businesses, including traders, transport operators, restaurant owners, and entrepreneurs, but it also underscored the importance of such events in stimulating the local economy by accommodating the large influx of families and national visitors who contributed to heightened demand in various sectors.

The overall success of the Carnival holiday indicates a positive trend for the local economies of Manta and Portoviejo, suggesting that with continued investment and promotion, these tourist hotspots could see sustained growth in both visitors and economic activity. The impressive financial impact and the high percentage of hotel occupancy signify a robust recovery post-pandemic, pointing toward a promising future for the region's tourism industry as it capitalizes on its natural attractions and cultural richness.