At the first Committee of Ministers for Tourism of the year, a crucial forum for analyzing and validating various initiatives related to the tourism sector, key proposals for boosting the sector's infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience were presented and discussed.
The meeting, which included the participation of the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Public Works, Culture, Arts and Heritage, National Assets, and Housing and Urban Development, addressed the main challenges and opportunities for strengthening the industry in the country, seeking to align Chile with global trends and the sustainable development goals encompassed in the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2035.
During the meeting, the current situation of the sector was analyzed, highlighting the positive figures for 2024, considered the year of the industry's recovery, as well as the indicators for inbound tourism arrivals and occupancy rates in the first two months of the year.
In addition, the updated Master Plan for Tourism Infrastructure (MOP 2030) was presented, as well as the proposals for the declaration and extension of Zones of Tourist Interest (ZOIT), and the promotion of sustainable tourism, with a focus on the implementation of plans and strategies that promote responsible growth and the preservation of natural resources. An analysis of economic and statistical studies was also presented for the formulation of effective public policies and support for decision-making.
On the other hand, the Disaster Risk Management Plan for the Tourism Subsector and the Sectoral Plan for Climate Change Adaptation 2025-2029 were discussed. These are key initiatives to ensure the sector's resilience to natural phenomena and climate challenges, with an emphasis on the protection of tourism destinations and local communities.
At the meeting, the Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism, Nicolás Grau, stated: “We held a committee of ministers to discuss the next steps in tourism. The Undersecretary presented a high-quality report, and together we reviewed the results of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2035, analyzing how it can guide us toward better inter-ministerial coordination. We also evaluated how each ministry can contribute to boosting tourism. Often, small decisions in certain areas can have a major impact on the development of the sector. While tourism in Chile has made significant progress recently, we are convinced that it still has great potential to achieve.”
Undersecretary of Tourism Verónica Pardo stated: “We have outlined our plans and programs for the year, our strategic focuses, and we have also presented the declaration of the first zone of tourist interest in the Metropolitan Region, which will be San José de Maipo. We obtained approval for the extension of eight other zones and modifications to eight others, crucial decisions for moving forward. We received positive approval for our plans, which will be positive for our industry in a year in which Chile will host events and continue to consolidate itself as an attractive and competitive destination both regionally and globally.”
For his part, Sernatur National Director Cristóbal Benítez stated: "In this first committee, we were able to address various topics such as the prioritization, updating, and expansion of some Zones of Tourist Interest nationwide and, of course, coordination with all ministries to promote the tourism development of each of our country's destinations. We presented the Comprehensive System of Tourist Destinations, with which we will be able to work with all ministries to prioritize the types of actions necessary according to the level of development of each of Chile's municipalities."
Zones of Tourist Interest (ZOIT)
On this occasion, the creation of the new zone of tourist interest - the first in the Metropolitan Region - "San José de Maipo" was approved in the Metropolitan Region, adding to the ZOITs already existing in Chile. In addition, the validity of eight other zones of interest located in the regions of Tarapacá, Biobío, Valparaíso and Los Lagos (Mamiña, Valparaíso, Robinson Crusoe, Putaendo, Saltos del Laja, Río Puelo, Cochamó, Hualaihué, Lago Llanquihue and Chaitén) was extended. In addition, eight ZOIT modifications were presented in the Maule, Los Ríos and Magallanes regions and the Chilean Antarctic (Chancho - Pelluhue, Colbún - Rari, Río Bueno - Puyehue, Valdivia, Lago Ranco - Futrono, Corral, Panguipulli and Destination Torres del Paine).
It is important to note that tourist interest zones are communal or intercommunal areas, or specific sectors within them, that have special characteristics that attract tourism and require conservation actions, as well as comprehensive planning to encourage private sector investment. These zones should be given priority in the implementation of public programs and projects focused on the development of tourism, including the allocation of resources for essential infrastructure and equipment projects.
With this meeting, the government of President Gabriel Boric Font reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism, seeking to ensure the long-term growth of this strategic sector for the national economy.
Source: SERNATUR.