Chile receives 14% more tourists

"K2T Wisata"

The increase in the number of visitors and the raise on their expenditures in hotels, airlines and restaurants were essential for the recovery of the sector after the worst earthquake in Chilean history took place this past February 27th, 2010.

Trips to Chile from abroad increased 14% in the third trimester of 2010, compared to the same period in 2009, informed the Chilean National Chamber of Commerce. The recovery is registered after the fallings experienced in the first and second trimester, when the number of visitors diminished 5,5% and 5,3% respectively, since the earthquake.

Also related to tourism in Chile, the foreign expenditures with bank cards in services related to travel – airlines, hotels and restaurants – went up 12,2% compared to the same period last year, and 3% compared to the previous trimester.

The growing number of visitors has been attributed to two main factors: the bicentenary celebrations in September and the rescue of the 33 trapped miners in the north of Chile in October, two events that captivated international attention and put Chile in the mind of potential tourists.