Chile | Consolidated the Recovery of Country's Tourism in December 2024

 

Chile, state located in the extreme southwest of the American continent, extending over a long and narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range, the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica has consolidated its tourism recovery in December 2024, marking positive projections in the number of domestic trips and in the New Year's celebration.

Thus last December, the Andean country has meant a domestic tourist movement of between 5.868.111 and 6.954.734 trips for Chile that represents an increase of 8% to 28% compared to 2019 data and from 4.9% to 24% compared to 2023.

The Undesecretary of Tourism of Chile Verónica Pardo highlighted the relevance of these figures for regional economic development, pointing out that the movement in December 2024 are positive for the local economy in all regions, activating key sectors such as commerce, crafts, gastronomic services and especially accommodation and tourist activities.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104362_2024_fue_el_ano_de_la_recuperacion_turistica_de_chile

Greece | The Future of Short – Term Rentals in Question

 

The Authorities of Greece are seriously facing backlash from the Association of Short – Term Accommodation Managers of the Hellenic country over a proposed provision in the Ministry of Tourism's draft law, which threatens to disrupt this market and the future of short - term rentals is in question.

A new provision excludes properties that changed use after 2011 from the possibility of short – term rentals and the Association has expressed its firm opposition in this measure, warning of serious economic, social and urban consequences if it is enacted.

The provision mandates that properties rented for short - term use must be designated as primary residential spaces under Greek law, or their change of use must have been legalised before 28th July 2011, allowing for the exclusion of properties that were converted after this date, including many office buildings and industrial spaces in urban centres that were repurposed for short - term rentals.

For the Rental Employers' Association this measure is considered discriminatory and inpractical, as it punishes owners and investors who acted within the legal framework to revitalise unused spaces.

The Association argues that the provision violates Article 5 of the Greek Constitution, which guarantee economic and professional freedom.

By retroactively restricting the use of properties, the legislation undermines investments that were legal under the legal framework.

The economic consequences of the measure are also of great concern, so the Association considers that millions of euros have been invested in the improvement of properties for short - term rentals and, if these properties are disqualified, their value will plummet, leading to significant economic losses for their owners.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104276_el_futuro_de_los_alquileres_corto_plazo_en_grecia_en_tela_de_juicio

Barbados | Visitors Record in 2024

 

Barbados, island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region next to North America and north of South America, independent British Commonwealth nation, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, boasting a rich culture and history with many historic sites to visit through the Ministry of Tourism reported that the country broke the visitors record of 2019 reaching the figure of 2.35 million visitors in 2024.

The Associates Times digital recalled that in 2019 the number of visitors was 2.29 million people and a further note highlighted that on 21^st December 2024, 8.000 passengers and 54 flights in one day was highlighted by this source.

Of the total number of visitors, 5.800 tourists travelled to the country aboard different flights, of these flights, 15 aircrafts were wide - body aircraft and landed at Grantley Adams International Airport, an equal number were narrow while 2.200 visitors arrived by sea.

The remaining flights served Barbados from countries in the region, including Caribbean Airlines, LIAT 2020 and InterCaribbean Airways.

The source also said that in 2024 Barbados received six inaugural flights from the United States of America and received a large influx of passengers.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/barbados-con-record-de-pasajeros-en-2024/

CATA | New Tourism Campaign on Safety for Travellers in Central America

 

CATA, the Central American Tourism Agency which promotes multi – destination tourism internationally, organization that plans, organize, direct, execute and control the tourism promotion policies, strategies and activities of the region in international markets has focused its new tourism campaign on safety for travellers in the seven countries that make up the region such as Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

“Centroamérica Segura Sin Duda” which translated form Spanish language means Centroamérica Safe For Sure is an innovative campaign that highlights the safety, diversity and cultural richness of member countries.

The campaign shows all the reasons why more than 24 million visitors explored Central America and the Dominican Republic highlighting the charm, beauty and captivating profile of this vast region in the American continent.

Through an engaging narrative, emphasizes the guarantees that tourists seek such as breathtaking landscapes, a natural bridge connecting two oceans and continents, unique and unforgettable culinary experiences, ancestral cultures, sustainable practices, unparalleled biodiversity, modern tourism infrastructure, and most importantly, the warmth and hospitality of its people.

When travellers think about destinations, that offer safety and authenticity, it’s easy to think about Central America and the Dominican Republic and “Centroamérica Segura Sin Duda” is the key message of the campaign, positioning the region as a reliable and attractive option for all profiles of international travellers such as family trips, groups, individual experiences, organization of events and honeymoons among others.

The seven member countries of Central America have specialized units in tourist services, which offer useful information, assistance and guidance to guarantee a safe and pleasant experience.

These unities are located at relevant, strategic points such as airports, tourism information centres, and key destinations, providing travellers with the necessary resources to enjoy their stay with peace of mind.

In addition to all that, regional collaboration initiatives have been promoted to strengthen the quality of services and attention to visitors, promoting a welcoming and trustworthy environment through the Central American region.

In 2024 more than 2.0 million tourists from Europe visited Central America and the Dominican Republic, representing approximately 12 - 14% of the total visitors to the region.

Spain led the way with 476.306 passengers, followed by Germany with 327.924 and the United Kingdom with 326.944 and other major markets such as France, Italy and the Netherlands also contributed significantly to the region’s growing popularity.

Projections for 2025 anticipate continued growth, driven by the success of campaign such as Central America, Segura Sin Duda” and strengthened partnerships with key players in the European travel industry.

CATA, remains committed to establishing Central America as a safe, sustainable and priority destination for European travellers.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104345_centroamerica_pone_el_acento_en_la_riqueza_cultural_y_la_seguridad_en