Friday, May 11th 2012 - 05:31 UTC

Chilean city of Punta Arenas will host IAATO annual meeting next year

Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile and one of hubs for Antarctic cruises, will be hosting the next annual meeting of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, IAATO, in the first half of 2013.

Punta Arenas is one of the hubs for Antarctic activities

“The announcement that Chile will be hosting the next annual meeting of Antarctic tourist operators is great news and comes in the framework of the government’s efforts to develop and boost responsible Antarctic tourism”, said Pablo Longueira, Economy, Promotion and Tourism minister.

The decision to nominate Chile was approved at the annual meeting in Providence, where the Chilean delegation included the head of the Antarctic Desk from the Foreign Affairs ministry, Camilo Sanhueza and the Regional head of Senatur (Tourism Office) for Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Andrea Tellez.

“We invited members of IAATO to Punta Arenas with the purpose to have the Antarctic operators meet Chilean and regional officials linked to that field”, said Camilo Sanhueza,

“As tourism promoters we feel it is most significant that we should receive 90% of Antarctic tourism operators since we are sure this will mean more challenges and possibilities for regional tourism” said Ms Tellez adding that besides IAATO, Chile will also host the Administrators of the Latam Antarctic programs.

Founded by seven private tour operators in 1991, IAATO has grown to include over 100 member companies from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States. IAATO is dedicated to appropriate, safe and environmentally sound private-sector travel to the Antarctic.
 

Published in: Tourism, Antarctica, Latin America.
Tags: Chile, IATTO, Punta Arenas.

6 comments Feed

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1 Southern Grenadier (#) May 11th, 2012 - 11:15 am Report abuse
Well done Punta Arenas. Now Chile develop Puerto Williams and take all the expedition cruise traffic off Ushuaia.
2 Brit Bob (#) May 11th, 2012 - 01:02 pm Report abuse
Cruising is all about friendship and trade. It is interesting to note that Argentina came under a barrage of criticism at the WTO the other week where the US, EU, Japan and 10 other countries accused it of tying up imports in red tape when CFK and Co imposed a new system to pre-approve or reject every purchase from abroad.
3 Leiard (#) May 11th, 2012 - 02:46 pm Report abuse
It just shows what can be done! - Well done
4 ChrisR (#) May 11th, 2012 - 03:42 pm Report abuse
Way to go Chile!

Best news on the cruise front we have gotten this year.

Stick it up Ushuaia well and truly.
5 Ernie4001 (#) May 12th, 2012 - 03:49 am Report abuse
It´s a very good notice specially when comes the chance to protect that pristine enviroment and let know the whole world that everybody wants to avoid more “Bahia Paraiso” pollution and some other floating rubbish to stay off there.
6 ManRod (#) May 12th, 2012 - 09:53 am Report abuse
Welcome to the capital of Patagonia...

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