Chile has once again triumphed at the prestigious World Travel Awards South America 2024, known as the Oscars of tourism, winning five awards. These recognitions highlight the diversity and richness of the country’s tourist offerings, filling Chileans with pride and reaffirming its position as a world-class destination.

Among the awards won, Chile was recognized as the Best Adventure Tourism Destination, Best Youth Travel Destination, Best Green Destination, Best Romantic Destination for the Atacama Desert, and Leading City Destination for Santiago.

This is the tenth consecutive year that Chile has received the recognition as the Best Adventure Tourism Destination, showcasing the variety of landscapes and activities ranging from sandboarding in the northern dunes to trekking in Patagonia. The Atacama Desert, in turn, has been awarded as the Best Romantic Destination for the seventh time, enchanting visitors with its unique landscapes and starry skies. It also achieved this in 2023.

Chile has also been chosen as the Best Youth Travel Destination, thanks to its vibrant offer of activities and services designed for this segment. Additionally, the country has stood out as the Best Green Destination, leading in the promotion of responsible tourism practices and in the certification of companies with the S Seal. Santiago, the capital, has been named the Leading City Destination, excelling in its rich cultural, gastronomic, and architectural offerings.

The importance of the recognition for Chile

Chile has reaffirmed its position not only in South America but also globally. In the continental edition of the awards, it surpassed Colombia in the Best Green Destination category, a title it has held worldwide in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Following the regional galas, the winners will compete for the global awards in a popular vote. The ceremony will be held in Madeira, Portugal, on November 24, 2024. This event will be an opportunity for Chile to continue shining and showcasing its wonders to the world.

The World Economic Forum has also recognized Chile as the second most competitive country in Latin America in tourism, highlighting its technology, health, infrastructure, and sustainability. Verónica Pardo, Undersecretary of Tourism, quoted in La Tercera, emphasized that "10 of the 16 regions consider tourism one of their essential economic activities in their productive development matrix."

Following the announcement of the South America World Travel Awards 2024, Pardo stated: "These awards are a recognition of our commitment to sustainability and the promotion of unique tourism experiences. Chile has consolidated its leadership in adventure tourism, thanks to our diversity of landscapes and activities."