Between January and May, the country received 2,107,577 foreign tourists. Markets such as Bolivia and Peru decreased by 18% and 15.6%, respectively.

The Government of Chile, through the Undersecretariat of Tourism, released tourist arrival figures corresponding to the period January – May 2024.

During those five months, Chile received 2,107,577 foreign tourists.

And although this figure represents a decrease of 4.2% compared to the same period in 2019 (2,201,103 tourists), in the opinion of the authority it represents “a notable recovery of 95.8% in the post-pandemic context.”

However, by excluding the Venezuelan market, the variation compared to 2019 becomes positive, with an increase of 1.3%, added the Undersecretariat of Tourism.

Argentines shopping in Chile

Regarding the significant increase in Argentine tourist arrivals, it was indicated that this “has been a crucial factor in this recovery.”

Between January and May 2024, a growth of 10.8% was recorded compared to the same period in 2019.

“This increase is mainly due to the depreciation of the Argentine peso and the economic readjustment measures in the neighboring country, which have encouraged shopping tourism in Chile,” said the Undersecretary.

In May 2024 alone, Argentine tourist arrivals increased 102.6% compared to May 2023 and 82.6% compared to May 2019, consolidating itself as a key driver for the recovery of the sector.

Verónica Pardo Lagos, Undersecretary of Tourism, commented that these figures are “a clear reflection of the effort made by the entire sector.”

“Achieving a 95.8% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels is a significant milestone that fills us with optimism. Arrivals from Brazil have increased by 16.5%, the United States by 8.9%, Colombia by 14.5% and Mexico by 21.1% compared to the same period in 2019," he added.

Pardo maintained that all of the above reflects “a renewed demand and confidence in Chile as an attractive and safe tourist destination.”

Finally, the Undersecretariat stated that arrivals from Venezuela fell by 94.5% in May 2024 compared to May 2019, “who arrived mainly for migratory reasons, creating a high comparison base.”

Additionally, markets such as Bolivia and Peru decreased by 18% and 15.6%, while revenue from Europe also slowed, with a decrease of 14.7%.