Chilean tourism growth and promotional initiatives

Chilean tourism continues to evolve through shifting consumer preferences and new national promotional initiatives.

Recent data from COCHA Travel Insights confirms a trend toward destinations offering unique experiences and social media appeal. Between January and July 2026, bookings for Curacao rose by 204.5% year-over-year, with additional growth noted for Buenos Aires, Madrid, Rapa Nui, and Rio de Janeiro. Domestically, the government projects a surge for the Fiestas Patrias holidays between September 17 and 19, estimating 1.1 to 1.3 million overnight trips—a potential 29% increase over the same period in 2025. The Valparaíso region is expected to lead domestic preferences at 46.8%, followed by the O’Higgins and Metropolitan regions.

To support these trends, Chile has launched several initiatives to bolster national identity and hospitality. At Santiago International Airport, Marca Chile and airport authorities inaugurated ‘Somos Chile’, a permanent gallery in the international arrival halls featuring 40 prominent figures in science, sports, culture, and innovation, such as Isabel Allende and Mon Laferte.

Additionally, the Undersecretariat of Tourism and Sernatur have released a second viral video for the ‘ChileNos Encanta’ campaign. Designed to strengthen the country’s culture of hospitality during Tourism Month, the campaign encourages citizens to serve as national ambassadors. The content is being distributed through airports, cinemas, and over 500 screens nationwide to promote a welcoming environment for visitors.