MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Indigenous group protests blamed for dip in tourism on Chile’s Easter Islands

The classic postcard of Easter Island

Due to the on-going land disputes by indigenous Rapa Nui groups, tourism activity has decreased on Chile’s Easter Island, said Edgar Hereveri, vice president of the island’s chamber of tourism.

The dispute culminated with the occupation of private property on the island, beginning two month ago. Since, according to the local tourism office, the island has been less attractive to potential visitors.

October is usually the most important month for tourism on the island. However, Hereveri explained that the number of visitors – mainly from Europe – has already been lower this year. Hotels and restaurants have complained of slow business for the first time, they say.

The Rapa Nui are protesting over land rights issues, including the increase in tourism on the island, and are asking for immigration regulations and the granting of special status for the island.

The groups have occupied properties – including museums, government-owned buildings, municipal buildings, the local tourism office and the Hanga Roa Hotel – to which they claim ancestral ownership. Police special forces were sent to monitor the situation.

The Chilean government and the island’s residents have continued to seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Some Rapa Nui clans have given the government documents so that the issues at hand are studied. However, the clans will not settle for a change of terrain and insist that the land belongs to them, said clan representative Marisol Hito, who is currently meeting with authorities.

By Mary Le Gassick – Santiago Times