There's a big push to get Ecuadorians to spend their money inside the country, which is often misguided, as with the huge taxes on imported goods. You see a lot of "Primero Ecuador" billboards along the roads trying to get people to buy local products, and they also spend some money promoting internal tourism. Obviously not a huge amount of money in this particular case. 😉

I will take issue with one thing you said: "I love Ecuador, and really want to visit again someday, but it's not really a huge tourism draw for those with no ties."

Ecuadorians are justifiably proud of the Galapagos. I think there are plenty of other reasons to go there (I spend 2-3 months in the country every year and always travel around for a week or so when I'm down there), but the one thing that's really unique are the Galapagos.