MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Patagonia: magic word for Chilean tourism industry

Patagonia has become a magic word for the Chilean tourism industry since it's the main attraction for overseas travellers, revealed Miguel Angel Muñoz head of the Chilean regional Tourism Office in Magallanes.

"The name Patagonia sells like hot cakes in international tourist shows such as the ITV in Berlin of the World Travel Mart in London", said Mr. Muñoz during a conference in Punta Arenas.

This is particularly true in European markets and for tourism associated to specific interests added the Chilean tourism official.

"Promotion by Magallanes authorities together with support from the central government has been most effective making Patagonia a magic word for Chile's tourism sales overseas".

Mr. Muñoz mentioned a recent experience with the 43rd World Tourism Organization, Americas' chapter meeting held in Santiago which convened delegates from the entire hemisphere.

"Quite a number of delegates postponed their departure because they wanted to visit Patagonia and Torres del Paine Park; they said they couldn't leave Chile without going to Patagonia", highlighted Mr. Muñoz.

The regional Tourism Office representative also indicated that tourism in Magallanes is booming with the number of visitors increasing 104% in the last five years (2000/04), compared to the Chilean average of 39%.

Total number of Chilean and foreign tourists visiting Patagonia in 2004 was 304,000 and the income generated was estimated in 86 million US dollars.

Cruise visitors spend an average 50 US dollars per day per capita compared to the 56 US dollars of Chilean and foreign tourists. The average stay for the three categories is 12 hours, four and six days respectively.