MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tourims rapidly becoming Magallanes main industry.

Tourism is rapidly becoming the most dynamic industry in Magallanes Region and in two years time will become the main source of income.

Magallanes Region mayor Jaime Jelincic revealed that tourism normally represents 80 million US dollars per annum, "but this year should reach 90 million and in two more years over 100 million US dollars making it the main industry of the region".

Mr. Jelincic who met with the local press to talk about the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, III Tourism Ministers Meeting said that the industry can expect an average expansion of 11 to 13% in the number of foreign visitors, "given the excellent results of the event" that gathered over 240 delegates from 18/20 foreign countries.

"Now we must follow up on this extraordinary window to the world that has opened for Magallanes, and this means organizing work shops with travel agents, operators and inviting press representatives from the Pacific basin", added Mr. Jelincic.

Apparently twelve companies that sell Patagonia packages have already signed agreements with Asia Pacific operators.

"We as government have to improve infrastructure, but the private sector must also commit itself to bettering hotels, transport options, even scientific research centres, all of which represents greater options for tourists".