Argentina-Chile to jointly promote Patagonia tourismPublished: April 13, 2009
El Calafate in Argentina's Santa Cruz province will host the second Argentina-Chile Patagonia Tourism operators meeting, which is expected to convene over 200 experts. The first event was held in Chile's Magallanes region.
"In hard times, the best we can do is coordinate and work together", said Christian Miranda, head of Santa Cruz regional tourism office.
According to the program, representatives from different provincial governments in Patagonia will address various aspects of the industry, prospects, incentives and support plans. This will be followed by workshops and meetings of guides' associations.
The program includes a visit to the world famous Perito Moreno glacier, a cultural show at El Calafate's Chilean Centre and a performance by the Municipal Dance School.
Luis Hernandez, from the Austro-Chile Tourism Chamber, said it was essential for operators from both sides of the border to participate in the event.
"Exchanging information is vital, for we have to combine efforts and complete tasks with a non-competitive attitude between our regions, Patagonia is one", he underlined.
Boris Mihovilovic, Head of Institutional Relations for the Patagonia Capital Guides Association, said that "flora and fauna on both sides of the border is similar and Patagonian history is basically shared, so we must target an integrated approach".
In related news, Bernardo Troncoso, Regional Director of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO), in Magallanes, revealed that between 2008 and 2010, "the region expects to have established twenty tourism related projects, totalling US$ 10 million in investments".
Bernardo Troncoso's remarks were made during the recent "First Chilean Patagonia International Nautical Tourism Forum" which took place in Puerto Natales. The event was organized by CORFO's InvestChile program.
Business representatives from thirteen different US and European companies were shown investment opportunities in nautical tourism in the region and the market potential.
"We already have an investment promotion program for nautical tourism investments in Patagonia and the forum was geared to have foreign companies invest with local enterprises and/or projects", added Mr. Troncoso.
Source:
en.mercopress.com