FEATURE LATIN AMERICA FOR FIRST-TIMERS
with a nervous disposition. The two countries have much in common, with the Andes running along the border between the two, and both are producers of excellent wines – there are some excellent accommodation options on vineyards and rural estancias – while scenic Patagonia sprawls across the southern tip of both nations. On the Argentina side, the Fitzroy
Massif and Perito Moreno glacier are highlights, while in Chile it’s the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Argentina is often paired in longer itineraries with either Brazil or Chile, while visitors to Peru – particularly wildlife enthusiasts – often head north to the Galapagos Islands, off the coast of neighbouring Ecuador. A cruise onboard a small vessel is the most common way to experience these diverse islands, but it’s not a cheap option. Clients with tighter budgets can look
forward to getting value for money in much of Latin America, despite the relatively high cost of getting there. The cost of eating out, transport, sightseeing and excursions varies widely across the region, with Brazil and Mexico at the higher end, while the Andean nations and Central America represent fantastic value for money. Of course, clients with larger budgets
that really want to take it easy can book themselves into luxury hotels or even consider a cruise around the continent. The Amazon River and Galapagos Islands have long been fertile waters for smaller vessels, but the wider cruise market is experiencing growth across
Pictured left: the Maroma Resort & Spa, Mexico; Pictured right: Machu Picchu; Central American wildlife; luxury accommodation from Starwood
the region too, with many major cruise lines operating sailings around Latin America’s long Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific coastline, or further afield to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands are obviously a stark contrast to mainland Latin
America but are nevertheless a popular stopover on cruise itineraries, giving passengers a taste of home out in the isolation of the Atlantic amid some spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife – and also a respite from getting to grips with Spanish or Portuguese. If clients have such language-based concerns, then they should be informed that English is widely spoken in the main tourism
destinations across the region, particularly in mid-range and top hotels. If it’s still a problem, then a trip combining the well-
developed Cancun region of Mexico with neighbouring Belize might be the answer, for
English is one of the official languages of the small Central American nation.
Tourism Talk
ELISABETH HAKIM PromPeru “We are fully aware of the importance of
offering education and training to agents. This is why we will soon be launching an online training programme that will be a one- stop shop for agents. On this site agents will learn about Peru’s tourist offering and receive accurate information about products and services.”
MANUEL DIAZ CEBRIAN Mexico Tourist Board “In terms of sales advice for travel agents, we
recommend using worldwide brands to connect different regions within Mexico that your client might not be familiar with. For example, Four Seasons with properties at very different locations – Punta Mita in the Pacific, Mexico City and Riviera Maya in Mayakoba.”
From The Front Line BRIAN HAWE
USA and Latin America Product and Purchasing Manager, Travel 2 “In a continent so
diverse in landscape and cultures as Latin
LATN AMERICA Top Selling Tips...
• Easy Ride... For a hassle-free journey, clients can enjoy direct flights from London to Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
• Mind Your Language... English is widely spoken in all the main tourism destinations, and especially so in mid-and top-range hotels.
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21/12/2011 09:43:59
Selling Tip
Always include an iconic destination such as
Machu Picchu or Rio de Janerio for first-time visitors
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