MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean tourism in first quarter up 12.5%

The number of foreign tourists visiting Chile during the first quarter of this year jumped 12.5% over the same period a year ago revealed the country's Nacional Tourism Office, Sernatur.

"Chile's safety and exotic wildlife played a crucial role in this encouraging increase", said Oscar Santelices, Sernatur's Director.

According to the latest figures, 33% of foreign tourists are Argentines, but 35% come from Europe and "remain longer", which means that although Chile is "very distant from the main world markets, we are recognized as a land of pristine wildlife with virtually no man interference, unspoilt landscapes, one of the few countries that can boast such a condition", said Mr. Santelices.

Chile's "stability and safety" which transcends far beyond the region means that "tourism operators can sell packages that not only promote travel but also confidence and reliability".

Mr. Santelices revealed that his office has an annual 1.5 million US dollars budget to promote Chilean tourism overseas which "is not sufficient".

"We could certainly increase the influx of tourists from overseas if we had more resources", emphasized the Chilean official.

He said that sum compares poorly with the "15 million and 40 million US dollars which are granted to the Peruvian and Argentine Tourist boards respectively for promoting their countries"

Finally Mr. Santelices pointed out to the current winter tourism campaign in Brazil, mainly the city of Sao Paulo, showing all the beautiful spots for promoting the Andes, skiing and other seasonal sports.

"This promotion campaign has helped to double in a year the number of Brazilian tourists who choose Chile for their winter holidays", highlighted Mr. Santelices.