Chile sees travel boom with visa-free access to 92 countries | kbnmart

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Renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Chile continues to attract travelers from around the world. In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase in inbound tourism, driven by several key factors that highlight Chile’s growing appeal as a global travel destination. One significant contributor is the expansion of visa-free travel, allowing visitors from 92 countries, as of August 2024, to explore Chile with greater ease. This access, combined with Chile’s unique offerings, has made the country more attractive than ever to international tourists.

TTW Editor Mr. Anoop Kumar Kishan says: “Chile’s tourism boom highlights the country’s resilience and growing global appeal. With increased inbound travel, rising hotel occupancy rates, and expanded visa-free access to 92 countries, Chile is strengthening its position as a key destination for international travelers.”

In 2023, Chile’s tourism industry experienced a significant recovery, continuing the recovery that began in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of tourist arrivals to the country has grown significantly, and the outlook for the rest of the year remains positive with international visitors increasingly returning. Hotel occupancy rates have also improved, rising from 49% in 2022 to 51% by the end of 2023, even surpassing the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018-2019. In addition, the number of nights spent by tourists in tourist accommodation in Chile reached 9.1 million in 2023, an increase of 5% over the previous year, although still below the 12 million nights recorded before the pandemic. The majority of foreign tourists visiting Chile in 2023 came from the Americas, accounting for 80% of arrivals, while 10% came from Europe. The total number of operating hotel rooms also increased from 48,078 in 2022 to 49,807 in 2023.

Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and the United States were the main source countries of inbound tourism to Chile in 2023. These countries played an important role in the overall growth of the tourism sector in Chile during the year.

Visa-free list:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Austria
• Luxembourg
• Holland
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Ireland
• Belgium
• San Marino
• Poland
• Hungary
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• South Korea
• Japan
• Andorra
• Finland
• Sweden
• Norway
• Denmark
• Malta
• UK
• Iceland
• Greece
• Portugal
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• US
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Lithuania
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Croatia
• Israel
• United Arab Emirates
• Malaysia
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Palau Islands
• Serbia
• Mauritius
• Grenada
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
• bosnia and herzegovina
• Albania
• Georgia
• Cyprus
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Tonga
• Argentina
• Macau (Special Administrative Region of China)
• Brazil
• Uruguay
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Vatican City
• Guatemala
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Thailand
• Colombia
• Peru
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• El Salvador
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Ecuador
• Saint Lucia
• Ukraine
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Fiji
• Moldova
• Türkiye
• Russian Federation
• Belize
• South Africa
• Jamaica
• Guyana
• Indonesia
• Bolivia
• Mongolia
• Vietnam

The top three airports in Chile are:

1. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) – Located in Santiago, it is the busiest and most important airport in Chile, serving as a hub for domestic and international flights.
2. Tepual Airport (PMC) Located in Puerto Montt, this airport is a major gateway to the southern regions of Chile, especially for travelers heading to the Lake District and Patagonia.
3. Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) – Located in Antofagasta, this airport serves the northern region of Chile and is a vital connection point for business and tourism, especially for those visiting the Atacama Desert.

The top three airlines in Chile are:

1. LATAM Airlines – The largest airline in Chile, LATAM operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, making it the dominant airline in the region.
2. Sky Airline – Known for its low-cost operations, Sky Air is the second largest airline in Chile, offering a wide range of domestic and regional flights throughout South America.
3. Jet Smart Another low-cost airline, JetSMART, is rapidly growing in popularity, offering affordable domestic and international flights with a focus on simple, efficient service.

The best hotels in Chile are:

1. Patagonia Single – Offering stunning views of the Patagonian fjords, this luxury hotel in Puerto Natales combines historic charm with modern amenities. It is the perfect choice for those exploring Torres del Paine National Park.
2. Mandarin Oriental, Santiago Located in the heart of Santiago, this five-star hotel is known for its elegant design, exceptional service and proximity to the city’s main attractions, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers.
3. Explore the Atacama – Located in the Atacama Desert, this all-inclusive luxury resort offers unique experiences such as guided explorations of the desert landscape, combined with world-class comfort and hospitality.