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.
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.
