Analysis of possibilities of setting up a business in tourism in Ecuador

The diploma thesis deals with analysis of business environment in field of tourism in Ecuador. Ecuador is thanks to natural, cultural and historical preconditions for tourism development becoming favourite destination for exotic holidays especially among tourists coming from Northern America and Western Europe. The analysis of business environment is followed by a business plan, which could be successfully implemented in current tourism market conditions in Ecuador. The theoretical part of the thesis focuses on theoretical background of doing business in tourism, on methods of evaluation of business environment and also on necessary contents of business plan. The practical part of thesis consist of evaluation of business environment in Ecuador based on PEST analysis and the business plan of setting up a company, which will own and operate a hotel chain in important touristic destinations in Ecuador. The business plan includes identification of key persons, characteristics of hotel buildings, analysis of the market, competition, marketing strategy, financial plan and project time schedule. In the conclusion of the thesis is the business project evaluated with SWOT analysis, together with taking in consideration risks that could jeopardize the project. This creates a base for decision, if the business plan could be implemented in future