Reading Time: 3 minutes

Chile, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, continues to attract travelers from around the globe. In recent years, the country has seen a notable increase in inbound tourism, driven by several key factors that highlight Chile’s growing appeal as a global travel destination. One significant contributor is the expansion of visa free travel, allowing visitors from 92 countries, as of August 2024, to explore Chile with greater ease. This accessibility, combined with Chile’s unique offerings, has made the country more attractive than ever to international tourists.

TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Chile’s tourism surge is highlighting the country’s resilience and growing global appeal. With increased inbound travel, higher hotel occupancy, and expanded visa free access to 92 countries, Chile is solidifying its position as a top destination for international travelers.”

In 2023, Chile’s tourism industry saw a significant resurgence, continuing the recovery that began in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourist arrivals to the country grew substantially, and the outlook for the remainder of the year remains positive as international visitors increasingly return. Hotel occupancy rates also improved, rising from 49% in 2022 to 51% by the end of 2023, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels observed in 2018-2019. Additionally, the number of overnight stays in Chilean tourist accommodations reached 9.1 million in 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year, although still below the 12 million nights recorded before the pandemic. The majority of foreign tourists visiting Chile in 2023 came from the Americas, accounting for 80% of arrivals, while 10% originated from Europe. The total number of hotel rooms in operation also expanded, increasing from 48,078 in 2022 to 49,807 in 2023.

The top source countries for inbound tourism to Chile in 2023 were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and the United States. These nations played a significant role in the overall growth of Chile’s tourism sector during the year.

Visa free List:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Austria
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Ireland
• Belgium
• San Marino
• Poland
• Hungary
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• South Korea
• Japan
• Andorra
• Finland
• Sweden
• Norway
• Denmark
• Malta
• United Kingdom
• Iceland
• Greece
• Portugal
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• United States
• Canada
• Czechia
• Lithuania
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Croatia
• Israel
• United Arab Emirates
• Malaysia
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Palau Islands
• Serbia
• Mauritius
• Grenada
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Albania
• Georgia
• Cyprus
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Tonga
• Argentina
• Macao (SAR China)
• Brazil
• Uruguay
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Vatican City
• Guatemala
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Thailand
• Colombia
• Peru
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• El Salvador
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Ecuador
• St. Lucia
• Ukraine
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Fiji
• Moldova
• Türkiye
• Russian Federation
• Belize
• South Africa
• Jamaica
• Guyana
• Indonesia
• Bolivia
• Mongolia
• Vietnam

The top three airports in Chile are:

1. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) – Located in Santiago, it is the busiest and most important airport in Chile, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights.
2. El Tepual Airport (PMC) – Situated in Puerto Montt, this airport is a key gateway to the southern regions of Chile, particularly for travelers heading to the Lake District and Patagonia.
3. Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF) – Located in Antofagasta, this airport serves the northern region of Chile and is a vital connection point for both business and tourism, particularly for those visiting the Atacama Desert.

The top three airlines in Chile are:

1. LATAM Airlines – The largest airline in Chile, LATAM operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, making it the dominant carrier in the region.
2. SKY Airline – Known for its low-cost operations, SKY Airline is the second-largest airline in Chile, offering a wide range of domestic and regional flights across South America.
3. JetSMART – Another low-cost carrier, JetSMART is rapidly growing in popularity, providing affordable domestic and international flights with a focus on efficient, no-frills service.

The top hotels in Chile are:

1. The Singular Patagonia – Located in Puerto Natales, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Patagonian fjords, blending historic charm with modern amenities. It’s a top choice for those exploring Torres del Paine National Park.
2. Mandarin Oriental, Santiago – Situated in the heart of Santiago, this five-star hotel is known for its elegant design, exceptional service, and proximity to key attractions in the city, making it a preferred option for both business and leisure travelers.
3. Explora Atacama – Nestled in the Atacama Desert, this all-inclusive luxury resort provides unique experiences like guided explorations of the desert’s landscapes, combined with world-class comfort and hospitality.