MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hot News.Magallanes bets on local tourism.

Magallanes tourist operators are confident that the insecurity in North America and Europe because of the recent terrorist attacks and possible war actions, will attract more visitors to Latin-American. Catalina Yaksic, president of Magallanes Association of Tourists Companies, Austro, said that promotion campaigns in Brazil and Argentina have proved very encouraging and added "locals who traditionally travel to the Caribbean, Europe and United States will end convincing themselves that visiting Chile or the region is safer than travelling overseas". Ms. Yaksic indicated that so far there's been no cancelling of bookings in Punta Arenas hotels and that the US situation "should not affect our area; American tourism is not that important in Magallanes". "Furthermore, she said, "we're very optimistic about two new unexplored areas in our region, adventure tourism and bird watching". Apparently 900 people have already booked for adventure tourism this coming season. Finally Ms. Yaksic indicated that as far as the 2001/2002 Magallanes season, she was more concerned about international oil prices, given the current war atmosphere.

Antarctic meeting in Punta Arenas

Government officials from the six Latin-American countries involved in Antarctic programs will be meeting this week in Punta Arenas, the second time they convene in Chile. Representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and host Chile will be addressing coordination of logistic and operations in the Antarctic continent, as well as exchanging information and compliance with international legislation ruling Antarctic activities. "Two areas particularly interest the gathering, coordination of scientific investigation and regulation of tourism activities", said Patricio Eberhard, member of the Chilean Antarctic Institute and coordinator of the meeting. The meeting of Managers of Latin-American Antarctic Programs, RAPAL, officially begins this Wednesday, however, previously scientists and historians from the six countries will hold several meetings with video conferences on medical and biology issues.

US dollar in Mercosur

Reflecting uncertainty about the immediate future and to a great exten