TOURISM IN CHILE
Lighthouse Punta Tortuga, off port of Coquimbo, IV Region of Coquimbo
Tourism has become one of the most promising industries in the Chilean economy.
Political stability and economic modernization have transformed Chile into a secure destination with adequate infrastructure and services to allow visitors to explore the entire country. The tourism industry has helped to support further local development as visitors have injected over US$ 2 billion in foreign currency into the economy in 2005.
Integration with the rest of America opens new opportunities for travelers with convenient economical packages that include neighboring countries. Chile alone has over 1,000 travel agencies, most of can be found in the capital city, Santiago. The last decade has seen a great rise in the popularity of outdoor and adventure trips, from biking to rafting to hiking up mountains.
Tourism has boomed with more than 2 million visitors in 2005 alone. This is a 13.6% increase in from 2004. While most of these tourists come from Argentina, Peru, the United States, Brazil and Bolivia, many Australians have discovered the attraction of Chile. Over 31,000 Australians and 7,000 New Zealanders have visited in 2005.
Chile's varied natural environments, many relatively unexplored, offer a wealth of opportunities for developing products related to eco tourism or adventure tourism. Today, the State encourages local and foreign investors to actively participate in sustainable development and conservation of protected wilderness areas.
The most popular destinations include Santiago and its surrounds, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Arica and the Chungara Lake. The region of Puerto Montt is also has much to offer, together with Todos los Santos Lake, Eastern Island, the Torres del Paine National Park and San Pedro de Atacama.
Images of Puerto Octay, X Region The Lakes, Southern Chile
Last updated: March 31, 2006