MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Viña del Mar expects an “invasion” of 150.000 Argentines

An estimated 150.000 Argentine tourists are expected to cross the Andes to enjoy the beaches of Viña del Mar in the coming months of January and February, which represents a 25% increase over last year's season according to Chile's Tourism Office, Sernatur.

A majority of them will do so for New Year since bookings in the Valparaiso, Viña del Mar and Concón area are almost full. The head of the Tourism Office from the city of Valparaiso, Milos Miskovic said that hotel bookings are in the range of 85 to90% for the last week of this year and the first of 2009. One of the reasons behind the boom compared to last summer season is that the exchange rate is 25% more favourable for Argentines. Last year for each Argentine peso tourists received 158 Chilean pesos, now the figure has gone up to 198 Chilean pesos. "This together with an aggressive promotion campaign in Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Cordoba, did the rest of the job", said Miskovic. Sernatur anticipated that over a million visitors will be present at the annual spectacular display of fire works next December 31st, which this year has been extended to cover thirty kilometres of coast, with 19 firing points with over 40.000 light and sound fire works. The more exclusive hotels such as the Sheraton, Radisson and Hotel del Mar which have casinos have long been fully booked, reports Sernatur. End of the year parties are also very much in demand with the most famous places in the Viña del Mar port area or in gyrating restaurants with kilometres of view selling at prices ranging from 180 to 250 US dollars per capita. But well aware of the world recession Viña del Mar authorities are crossing their fingers and hoping Sernatur forecasts come true. "We're offering tourists as many attractions as possible, both for international travellers and Chileans. Viña del Mar is a wonderful place and we are happy so many have chosen to spend their holidays with us. We have much recovering to do since business this year has been slow moving", said Mayor Virgina Reginato on the launching of the 2009 season under the heading of "Viña del Mar, beautiful and safe city".