FEATURE CHILE & ARGENTINA
A
lthough other destinations where the Royal couple have set foot are making a song and dance about it right now, the charms of Argentina
and, in particular, Chile had Prince William and Kate Middleton smitten – along with a few thousand other Brits who discover the region each year. William spent 10 weeks working on a
charity project in Chile, which Kate Middleton joined soon after his departure. Americo Edvadro Soto, the regional tourism director for Aysen, says, “The UK market is not big at the moment, but hey, we have welcomed two of the UK’s biggest names, who both spent time here during their Gap Year – and we’d be delighted to welcome William and Kate back on their honeymoon!” Having received a royal seal of approval, Soto explains the region’s tourism goals. “Our target, apart from having William and Kate back, is to attract adventurous travellers with a passion for activities and sport that like to discover new places and people.” The same can be said for much of
Chile and Argentina, which have an abundance of natural wonders and startling scenery and are making genuine inroads in the UK market. Along with Uruguay, they comprise
South America’s ‘Southern Cone’ and are regularly paired together in the itineraries of UK operators. Geographically, they have many similarities. Divided by the Andes mountain range along the length of their border, they both have arid northern regions – the Atacama Desert in Chile and the highlands around Salta in Argentina – as well as picturesque Lake Districts and verdant wine-producing regions. Finally, Patagonia is a land of
Along with Uruguay, Chile and Argentina comprise South America’s
‘Southern Cone’
lakes, forests, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, that stretches across the southern section of the two nations. Both countries have had their share of
global exposure in the last 12 months, with a major earthquake and, of course, the rescue of 33 miners in Chile making global headlines, while the famous Dakar Rally was again hosted by the two countries due to security fears in Africa, its traditional home. The release of Patagonia this month, a
film starring Duffy, will also expose the region’s appeal to a wider audience. Air access to capital cities Santiago
and Buenos Aires is improving, and no itinerary is complete without a visit to them. The latter, known as the Paris of South America, is a city in which to soak up the atmosphere of colourful neighbour- hoods like La Boca or indulge in the continent’s finest food and wines and a sultry tango show – or even a lesson. Beyond the capital, Argentina’s ‘big
ticket’ attractions are the Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil, the wildlife-rich Valdes Peninsula, the Perito Moreno glacier, Mendoza and its wineries, and the goucho culture of the pampas regions. In 2010 the country welcomed over
five million visitors for the first time, up from two million in 2002 at the height of
its financial crisis. The national tourist board has launched an ‘Argentina beats to your rhythm’ campaign and is pushing road trips on Ruta 40 on the back of the Dakar Rally. It is Argentina’s longest and most spectacular road, running along the eastern flanks of the Andes for 5,000km. Chile, meanwhile, boasts the weird and wonderful Atacama Desert, the port city of Valparaiso, the Torres del Paine National Park, and mysterious, isolated Easter Island among its principal draws. The terrain of both countries has huge influence on the sort of activities on offer, with everything from ice-climbing in Patagonia and trekking almost anywhere in the Andes, to kayaking, skiing, fishing and mountain-biking, and more sophisti- cated options such as horse-riding and wine-themed stays at estancias and vineyards, or a cruise around Patagonia.
WHAT’S NEW Turismo Chile has appointed Mango PR as its representation company in the UK, with a brief to build Chile’s visibility in market. A promotional campaign will focus on six themes: culture and heritage, natural inspiration, sport and
Opposite page: Argentina's arid Salta province; Right: on tour with the Explora Atacama hotel and the Alta Atacama Desert Lodge; Below: Aysen, Patagonia
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