MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Growing number of Chileans opting for domestic tourism

The flu and budget concerns weigh heavily in holiday decisions

Given current health and budget concerns, fewer Chileans are travelling abroad these days. Domestic tourism, however, continues to be a booming internal industry.

Figures released by Chile's Tourism Board (SERNATUR) show a 20% decrease in Chileans taking foreign holidays this year. Most cited concerns over swine flu as the main reason for staying in the country.

The economic crisis was also a factor in many people’s decision travel locally.

According to SERNATUR, 2.5 million Chileans went on vacation last week and the beginning of this week (the two weeks of school winter holidays), with a growing number staying to enjoy the national hotspots.

Top destinations were Iquique (Region II), La Serena (Region IV), the Metropolitan area and ski resorts around Santiago, Chillàn (Region VII) and Pucón (Region IX).

Last week Iquique's hotels reached 90% capacity, despite cancellations related to swine flu. Although many people went to enjoy the northern coastal town's beaches and duty free shopping most travelled to attend the La Tirana religious festival, which took place last week.

Last Thursday's national holiday also boosted hotel bookings to 80% in La Serena and Valparaiso, as Santiago's city dwellers left to enjoy some sea air.

In the south, Chillán ski resorts reached 90% capacity. The luxury thermal baths hotel Gran Hotel Chillán was fully booked this month with 410 visitors.

Pucón's ski resorts, meanwhile, hosted around 1,500 visitors per day. Santiago Times (Hannah McNeish)