Record Number of Tourists Visit Chile in First Quarter

Record Number of Tourists Visit Chile in First Quarter

The number of foreign tourists visiting Chile rose 9.2 percent during the first quarter of 2011 in relation to the same period last year, according to Tourism Secretary Jacqueline Plass. A record-breaking 1,043, 042 tourists entered Chile between January and March, at the height of the summer tourism season.

March was record breaking with a 49.6 percent increase over a year ago March was record breaking with a 49.6 percent increase over a year ago. According to Plass, the month of March marked a historical peak with a record-breaking 289,000 tourists, a 49.6 percent increase when compared to March 2010, setting a new ten-year record for travelers visiting the country.

Tourism from neighboring Argentina and Peru were at the top of the list of Latin American countries, with 112,000 and 31.500 visitors, respectively, with another 39,000 arriving from Europe. Argentina, which saw a 104 percent increase in tourists visiting in March, continues to be the prime contributor to Chile’s perpetually growing tourism industry.

The number of visitors from Brazil and the United States during the month of March also registered a significant increase. The influx of tourists from Brazil grew 28 percent, and similar rates were registered for North America and most countries worldwide.

“This increase leaves us satisfied, now that the promotional strategies we have embarked on in various countries have proven to be beneficial to Chile,” said Plass.

The region of Magallanes, the Chilean Antarctica, and Easter Island continue to be among the favorite destinations, which have been the focus of Chile’s international tourism promotion campaigns.