MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Foreign tourist arrivals in Chile up 16.4% in eight months; August marks new record

Ms Plass said it was the result of the joint work displayed by government and private sectors

Chilean Under Secretary for Tourism Jacqueline Plass said that in the first eight months of the year the number of arriving international tourists increased 16%, while August became the arrivals record month since 1988.

“Between January and March 2012 we received 2.338.214 tourists from other countries which represents an increase of 16.4% compared to the same period a year ago. The increase was particularly intense from Argentina, 30%; Colombia, 25.5%; Brazil, 19%; Spain, 15.5% and Germany” said Ms Plass.

She added that August marked a record month, the highest since 1988. On that month, 238.860 tourists arrived in Chile mainly from Argentina, 35% and Brazil, 16.8%, plus arrivals from Europe, 8.2% and the United States, 4%.

Tourism Under Secretary Plass said that “we are seeing the results of the promotion work displayed in a joint effort by the government and the private sector in those markets which we have selected as priorities: Argentina, Brazil, US, Spain, UK, France, Germany, Peru, Colombia and Australia”.

She added that the implementation of tactical actions focalized in commercial channels, final consumers, fairs, events and press and familiarization trips”.