MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

First Chilean cruise preparing for Antarctica

“Antarctic Dream” the first totally Chilean cruise vessel, which will be sailing to Antarctica this summer is currently in Punta Arenas.

The former Chilean Navy support vessel which underwent two years refurbishing is scheduled to make the maiden incursion October 24, one of the 18 trips programmed for this 2005/06 season which also includes Puerto Natales and Puerto Eden.

"Antarctic Dream" belongs to a consortium of investors linked to tourism, maritime interests, catering, a Miami television showman of Chilean origin and other minor associates, which had to disburse over 12 million US dollars in the project.

"Antarctic Dream" is 83 metres long, 12 beam, draught 4,6 and a 2,000 tonnage.

She was refurbished into four decks and can accommodate 84 travellers in 42 double cabins with a crew of 40.

The first Chilean cruise vessel is part of a strong promotion effort by the Chilean regional Tourist Office in Magallanes.

Local authorities estimate that the number of tourists visiting the region in 2005 will increase 13% after the 12,4% of last year.

The estimate was announced during a postponed World Tourism Day celebration on Saturday, which should have taken place last September 27.

Miguel Angel Muñoz regional tourism representative explained that at the time most officials and local businessmen linked to the industry were in Argentina and Brazil making the annual road show to promote Magallanes.

However Mr. Muñoz underlined that the region must diversify and organize new tours and circuits to other places in the region such as the Magellan strait and the Darwin mountain range.

He also pointed out that Magallanes has a cooperation agreement with Argentine Patagonia (provinces of Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego) as well as with neighbouring Aisen region to the north.

"This is partly a condition from international operators who are requesting an opening of all the area. Actually this has benefited Magallanes, and fifteen day tours are now evenly shared with Argentine Patagonia", highlighted Mr. Muñoz.

"Tourists tend to spend a couple of days in Calafate and Ushuaia and then come across to Magallanes.