MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Magallanes targets 360,000 tourists.

Magallanes Region in the extreme south of Chile received 240,000 tourists during the 2001/2002 season and is planning to increase that figure to 360,000 by 2005.

Miguel Angel Muñoz, Director of the Chilean Regional Tourist Office, Sernatur, made the announcement in Punta Arenas during the celebration of the World Tourism Day last September 27.

"It's quiet ambitious, but given the current tendencies I believe it can be achieved because Patagonia increasingly figures in international tourism agendas, besides it's a wonderful challenge", underlined Mr. Muñoz.

However Mr. Muñoz insisted in the need to improve local services particularly targeting towards the profile of the visitors that are mainly interested in eco-tourism plus the need to incorporate "macro-tourism" zones with emphasis in the environment.

"A pristine environment, a landscape untouched by humans respecting nature is what we sell and this we must protect and conserve", added Mr. Muñoz.

During the ceremony Punta Arenas mayor Jaime Jelincic and Jorge Norambuena, president of the Magallanes Association of Tourism Businesses also underlined the importance of the tourism industry and called on the public and private sectors to continue to work together improving local conditions and making visitors "feel at home".

Finally "Tourism Day" medals and distinctions were awarded to representatives from local institutions, hotels, businesses and journalists for their dedication and promotion of Magallanes fastest growing industry that also offers the highest employment opportunities.