Ecuador’s Monumental First Step at Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: How Casa Ecuador is Changing the Game for Eco-Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy

Published on December 9, 2025

Ecuador made its historic debut at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the first time the country set up a national pavilion at such a prestigious global event. Casa Ecuador – The Embassy of Nature captivated the masses with its immersive cultural showcase, attracting an impressive 60,000 visitors daily over the four-day event. Strategically located behind the Formula 1 paddock, this pavilion emerged as one of the most prominent cultural installations in the event’s global calendar.

Ecuador’s participation at the Grand Prix placed its culture and heritage on an international stage, making it the first country to exhibit in this exceptional setting. Casa Ecuador stood out as a powerful symbol of the nation’s natural beauty and cultural richness, drawing attention from both race fans and international tourists.

Immersive Ecuador: A Journey into Culture, Nature, and Sustainability

Visitors to Casa Ecuador experienced an unforgettable multisensory journey that highlighted the country’s diverse cultural and environmental assets. The pavilion was designed to transport guests through Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, the Galápagos Islands, and coastal regions. Through digital art, sensory storytelling, and natural installations, the pavilion highlighted Ecuador’s exceptional biodiversity and its commitment to sustainable tourism and agriculture.

A central feature of the pavilion was the cacao journey, which told the story of Ecuador’s leadership in sustainable farming. The exhibit walked visitors through the process of cacao transformation, from the Amazonian forest to world-class chocolate production, illustrating Ecuador’s significant role in the global chocolate industry. This hands-on experience was an important message about the country’s focus on sustainability, which is also central to Ecuador’s tourism appeal.

Adding to the experience was a captivating floral installation made up of over 100,000 Ecuadorian roses from Sunrite Farms. These roses, known for their vibrant colours and exceptional quality, symbolised Ecuador’s connection to nature. The installation became a focal point of the event, with visitors flocking to capture its beauty. Ecuadorian roses are an important part of the country’s agricultural exports, and their display reinforced Ecuador’s global agricultural standing.

A Milestone for Ecuador’s Global Diplomacy and Tourism

Luis Felipe Fernández-Salvador y Campodonico, the founder of Fundación Identidad Nacional and the visionary behind Casa Ecuador, shared that the success in Abu Dhabi is just the beginning of Ecuador’s global expansion. Casa Ecuador was first introduced in Paris and Madrid and is now making waves in the Middle East. Fernández-Salvador y Campodonico emphasized that the pavilion was not merely an exhibition but a powerful statement, placing Ecuador’s identity, creativity, and respect for nature at the center of global discussions.

Following its success in Abu Dhabi, Casa Ecuador will continue its global expansion, with plans for future activations in New York City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as in Miami and Madrid. These events will further enhance Ecuador’s visibility on the world stage, boosting its cultural, environmental, and diplomatic presence.

A Luxurious Ecuadorian Experience at W Abu Dhabi

As part of its presence in Abu Dhabi, Casa Ecuador offered a unique terrace experience at W Abu Dhabi, offering guests an exclusive view of the Yas Marina Circuit. The terrace was beautifully adorned with thousands of Ecuadorian roses, creating a spectacular visual display. The roses, known for their large buds and long stems, made a stunning statement, symbolising Ecuador’s agricultural excellence and adding a touch of elegance to the event. This visual representation of Ecuador’s culture and natural beauty added a layer of luxury to the Grand Prix experience.

A Star-Studded Gala Dinner at Emirates Palace

On December 6, 2025, Ecuador celebrated its achievements with a glamorous gala dinner at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, attended by a distinguished group of business leaders, diplomats, and cultural icons. The evening featured a 24-karat edible gold menu, with live music performed by Oscar-winning composer Nicolas Becker. The event also honoured several influential figures for their work in sustainability and global leadership.

Among the distinguished guests were Christian Courtin-Clarins, Chairman of Clarins Group, and Thibault de Saint Vincent, President of BARNES International Realty. These awards celebrated individuals whose work reflects the values of sustainability, creativity, and innovation – values that Casa Ecuador seeks to promote through its global cultural initiatives.

The Embassy of Nature: Ecuador’s Vision for Global Environmental Leadership

The Embassy of Nature, launched by Fernández-Salvador y Campodonico at the United Nations in 2024, represents Ecuador’s commitment to establishing nature as a global economic and diplomatic asset. Through the use of technology such as AI and blockchain, the Embassy seeks to protect nature and make it a tradable asset. By offering solutions like tokenized carbon units and biodiversity assets, the initiative creates new avenues for sustainable investment. The Embassy of Nature also links real estate projects with natural reserves, presenting a hybrid model that aligns with global environmental priorities, including those in the Middle East.

Ecuador’s vision for the Embassy of Nature underscores its leadership in global environmental diplomacy. By advocating for the protection of the planet’s natural systems, Ecuador is positioning itself as a leader in the growing field of sustainable tourism.

Casa Ecuador’s Legacy and Future Growth

Casa Ecuador’s debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks a turning point for Ecuador’s cultural diplomacy and global tourism industry. The activation demonstrated Ecuador’s unique cultural and environmental offerings, setting the stage for a new chapter in global tourism. The success in Abu Dhabi signals the beginning of Ecuador’s journey toward becoming a top destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic, sustainable experiences.

As Ecuador continues to expand its presence at international events, its tourism sector is expected to grow, driven by the country’s commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage. Casa Ecuador has undoubtedly positioned Ecuador as a leading player in eco-tourism and cultural diplomacy, paving the way for increased global interest in the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and commitment to sustainable tourism. With plans for future global activations, Ecuador is set to become an even more prominent destination for travelers looking for unique, responsible, and impactful travel experiences.