Chile is crowned the South American Adventure Tourism champion for the fifth time
Chile has won the title of "Leading Adventure Tourism Destination in South America" for the fifth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. Chile was also designated "Leading Nature Destination" for the first time, while the Atacama Desert was nominated the "Most Romantic Destination" on this side of the planet once again this year.
For the fifth consecutive year Chile has been named " South America's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination" in the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2019, also known as the "Tourism Oscars".
Chile succeeded in positioning itself above iconic tourism destinations, such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina. This honorable first place puts Chile in the global competition for the title of the " World's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination", a crown it already obtained in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
For the first time, Chile also won the "Leading Nature Destination" category and, for the second consecutive year, the Atacama Desert was crowned as the "Most Romantic Destination in South America", bypassing Buenos Aires, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, the Galapagos Islands and Rio de Janeiro.
The growth of Chile’s tourism sector and its attractions
The 26th edition of the World Travel Awards for Latin America was held on Saturday, July 13 in La Paz, Bolivia, the venue chosen for the 2019 awards. Representing Chile at the ceremony were Tourism Undersecretary Monica Zalaquett, the National Director of Chile’s National Tourism Service (Sernatur), Andrea Wolleter, and the Consul General of Chile in Bolivia, Manuel Hinojosa.
Speaking in Bolivia, Tourism Undersecretary Monica Zalaquett said, "this award bears witness to the growing recognition that Chile has enjoyed as a tourism powerhouse on the global stage, which is the result of our many attractions and our government's efforts to draw ever more visitors. This is a virtuous industry with a great impact on the economy. In fact, it is currently our sixth largest export, contributing 3.3% of Chile's Gross Domestic Product.
Sernatur National Director Andrea Wolleter added, "for Chile's competitive advantages to be recognized over those of our neighbors is a real honor. This is recognition of the diversity of our landscapes, unspoiled wildlife, extreme experiences and the warmth of our people. All this resulted in more than 5.7 million foreign tourists coming to Chile in 2018 and we are sure will this will also make us the world leaders in Adventure Tourism".
Cast your vote!
The 'Tourism Oscars' seek to promote and develop the travel industry and global tourism, rewarding the excellence and diversity of the tourism services available, and providing an internationally prestigious showcase to the winners of these awards.
Chile is expected to enter the global competition to defend its place as the three-time reigning champion of the "Leading Adventure Tourism Destination" category. Voting will take place from September 12 through October 20.