
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.

The Chilean Army is scheduled to begin in October the clearance of anti-tank mines which are distributed on the sides of the route leading to the national Park of Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales and which were planted during the seventies at the height of a conflict with Argentina that almost ended in a full-fledged war.

Thousands of Argentines began spilling out of the capital Friday night to make the most of the long weekend, which congress approved just three weeks ago. Monday's Sept. 24th holiday makes for a total of 19 national paid holidays this year. Only Colombia comes close in Latin America, with 18.

Political pressure on organisers of the Seatrade South America convention held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week meant the Falkland Islands was ignored during discussions as a tourist destination in the region.

Argentina launched an aggressive campaign to boost domestic tourism this coming summer season by publishing hotel, food and rent prices of resorts along the Atlantic coast and comparing them with similar options in Mercosur partners such a Uruguay, Brazil and Chile.

South America was described as a ‘fantastic destination’ for the cruise industry but with an even greater potential said Chris Hayman at the closing ceremony of the two-day Seatrade South America Cruise Convention in Buenos Aires.

“A Field Guide to the Wildlife of South Georgia” is the title of the comprehensive new 200-page soft-back guide to the Island’s wildlife. The book contains over 350 colour photos of the fauna and flora it describes.

South America's cruise industry has been growing fast and holds vast potential, but the region must work together to tackle issues, create demand and rein in costs, said speakers at the Seatrade South America Cruise Convention in Buenos Aires.

The individual average annual income of the Falkland Islands residents totals £ 20.100 (approx 32.000 US dollars) according to data from the latest 2012 Census, which also showed an exceptionally high economic activity rate and a very tight labour market with just 1% unemployment and 20% of residents with a second job.

The Falkland Islands Government announced this week the appointment of Nicola Granger to the post of Financial Secretary for the Falkland Islands Government. Ms Granger steps into the role permanently from the Head of Finance Position when Keith Padgett became Chief Executive.