Argentina, Chile and Colombia have launched a new joint marketing initiative aimed at boosting tourist arrivals from Australia.
Under the new collaborative effort, the three tourism boards will visit Australia in August together with 30 representatives from city tourism departments, hotels and attractions. Five events will be staged in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to present the three countries’ latest tourism news to wholesalers, travel agents, industry partners and the Australian media.
“In 2012 Australia is a growth market for us and one which will continue to build,” said Carolina Valenzuela, Turismo Chile’s Long-Haul Market Manager. “We are coming to Australia in response to demand from Australian wholesalers and travel agents now seeking more and different information about how to package and sell travel opportunities to more of South America.
“More and more Australian travellers are discovering South America, and the vast opportunities for exciting new travel experiences. They are also recognising the value and affordability in travel to South America at this time. With greater air access, we see significant inbound potential for our countries and that also means business opportunities for the Australian trade,” Ms Valenzuela added.
Argentina is expecting to expand on the 40,000 Australian arrivals it received in 2011, following the recent launch of new direct Aerolineas Argentinas flights between Buenos Aires and Sydney. Chile also has good air links with Australia, due to the codeshare arrangement between oneworld alliance partners LAN Airlines and Qantas. It received 41,000 visitors from Australia and New Zealand last year.
Colombia meanwhile, is benefiting from a visa-free arrangement with Australia. In 2011 the country welcomed 10,400 Aussies – a year-on-year increase of 15%.
