Selling Long Hau March 2011

MARCH 2011 | WWW.SELLINGLONGHAUL.COM

High risers Why Argentina and Chile are filling the Gap

TRAINING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE

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HONG KONG & MACAU Asia's blossoming twosome

MALDIVES An Indian Ocean success story

LAS VEGAS It's show time in the desert

PHILIPPINES Open skies targets open minds

SELLING AUSTRALIA See our new dedicated section on the latest travel trends down under (p65-74) SLH march covers.indd 1

3/1/11 3:26:27 PM

CHILE & ARGENTINA

A royal couple As Prince William and Kate Middleton discovered on their Gap Years, neighbours Argentina and Chile have plenty of appeal for both the adventurous and the more conservative UK visitor, says Andy Hoskins

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F E AT U R E C HILE & A R G EN TI N A

A

lthough other destinations where

lakes, forests, snow-capped mountains

its financial crisis. The national tourist

the Royal couple have set foot are

and glaciers, that stretches across the

board has launched an ‘Argentina beats

making a song and dance about it

southern section of the two nations.

to your rhythm’ campaign and is pushing

right now, the charms of Argentina

Both countries have had their share of

road trips on Ruta 40 on the back of the

and, in particular, Chile had Prince

global exposure in the last 12 months,

Dakar Rally. It is Argentina’s longest and

William and Kate Middleton smitten –

with a major earthquake and, of course,

most spectacular road, running along the

along with a few thousand other Brits

the rescue of 33 miners in Chile making

eastern flanks of the Andes for 5,000km.

who discover the region each year.

global headlines, while the famous Dakar

William spent 10 weeks working on a

Chile, meanwhile, boasts the weird and

Rally was again hosted by the two

wonderful Atacama Desert, the port city

charity project in Chile, which Kate

countries due to security fears in Africa,

of Valparaiso, the Torres del Paine

Middleton joined soon after his departure.

its traditional home.

National Park, and mysterious, isolated

Americo Edvadro Soto, the regional

The release of Patagonia this month, a

tourism director for Aysen, says, “The UK

film starring Duffy, will also expose the

market is not big at the moment, but hey,

region’s appeal to a wider audience.

Easter Island among its principal draws.

The terrain of both countries has huge influence on the sort of activities on offer,

we have welcomed two of the UK’s

Air access to capital cities Santiago

biggest names, who both spent time

and Buenos Aires is improving, and no

Patagonia and trekking almost anywhere

here during their Gap Year – and we’d

itinerary is complete without a visit to

in the Andes, to kayaking, skiing, fishing

be delighted to welcome William and

them. The latter, known as the Paris of

and mountain-biking, and more sophisti-

Kate back on their honeymoon!”

South America, is a city in which to soak

cated options such as horse-riding and

up the atmosphere of colourful neighbour-

wine-themed stays at estancias and

approval, Soto explains the region’s

hoods like La Boca or indulge in the

vineyards, or a cruise around Patagonia.

tourism goals. “Our target, apart from

continent’s finest food and wines and a

having William and Kate back, is to

sultry tango show – or even a lesson.

attract adventurous travellers with a

Beyond the capital, Argentina’s ‘big

Turismo Chile has appointed Mango PR

passion for activities and sport that like to

ticket’ attractions are the Iguazu Falls on

as its representation company in the UK,

discover new places and people.”

the border with Brazil, the wildlife-rich

with a brief to build Chile’s visibility in

Valdes Peninsula, the Perito Moreno

market. A promotional campaign will

Chile and Argentina, which have an

glacier, Mendoza and its wineries, and the

focus on six themes: culture and

abundance of natural wonders and

goucho culture of the pampas regions.

heritage, natural inspiration, sport and

Having received a royal seal of

The same can be said for much of

inroads in the UK market.

Along with Uruguay, they comprise

W H AT ’ S N E W

V

startling scenery and are making genuine

with everything from ice-climbing in

In 2010 the country welcomed over five million visitors for the first time, up from two million in 2002 at the height of

Opposite page: Argentina's arid Salta province; Right: on tour with the Explora Atacama hotel and the Alta Atacama Desert Lodge; Below: Aysen, Patagonia

South America’s ‘Southern Cone’ and are regularly paired together in the itineraries of UK operators.

Geographically, they have many similarities. Divided by the Andes mountain range along the length of their border, they both have arid northern regions – the Atacama Desert in Chile and the highlands around Salta in Argentina – as well as picturesque Lake Districts and verdant wine-producing regions. Finally, Patagonia is a land of

Along with Uruguay, Chile and Argentina comprise South America’s ‘Southern Cone’

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F E AT U R E C H I L E & ARG ENTI NA

From The Front Line SARAH BECKWITH MARKET MANAGER FOR ARGENTINA AND CHILE, KUONI

“Chile offers dramatic landscapes and natural beauty, with the Lake District and Patagonia unrivalled. No visit to Chile is complete without experiencing the spectacular fjords and glaciers of the ice-fields and the mind-blowing scenery of Torres del Paine National Park. Argentina, meanwhile, offers a rich history and lively culture. A popular hotel with clients is the Sheraton Iguazu which is the only hotel within the Argentine side of Iguazu National Park.�

KATRIN RUMMER PRODUCT MANAGER, LATIN AMERICA, TRAVEL 2

“Chile and Argentina

Patagonia is a land of lakes, forests, mountains and glaciers

appeal to a broad client base that includes nature lovers, adventure seekers and wine and food enthusiasts. As the countries share a very long border with many

V

adventure, food and wine, lifestyle and

entertainment, and health and wellness.

The Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia, a two-hour flight from Santiago, is embarking on its own

Houses’ – taking the hotel to a total of

possibilities to cross into the

38 suites – and, unusually, will remain

neighbouring countries, they make

open this winter (the English summer)

for an ideal combination.�

while most in the region close.

The Panamericano Buenos Aires, in the centre of the city, has added a new

PRODUCT MANAGER LATIN AMERICA,

signed up Branding Latin America to

220m2 penthouse to its inventory of 362

BALES WORLDWIDE

help it do so.

rooms. It is also home to the well-known

“Our new ‘Boutique

La Luciernaga restaurant, Celtic Bar and

Chile’ tour (from

Tomo 1 restaurant.

ÂŁ4,195pp) is getting

Americas, which represents over 12 partners across Latin America – including Protours Chile and Argentina Travel

Ushuaia’s five-star Los Cauquenes

some great interest

Partners – is celebrating its 20th

Resort & Spa, on the shores of the

from clients and, while in our higher

anniversary and is hosting its eighth

Beagle Channel, will open a new wine

price bracket, it does represent

annual workshop on March 15th-17th at

and cigar bar this year with views of the

great value for money. Discerning

London’s Royal Geographical Society.

spectacular surrounding scenery. It has

clients appreciate that when they

54 guestrooms.

travel with us to remote and iconic

Travel Trade UK is now representing Cruceros Australis, the small expedition

destinations such as Torres del

cruise company based in Patagonia and

T O U R I S M TA L K

Paine, Patagonia, that we choose

Tierra del Fuego.

LEONARDO BOTO

properties where all food and

CHAIRMAN, ARGENTINA’S NATIONAL INSTITUTE

excursions are included and is of the

FOR TOURISM PROMOTION

highest standard available.�

Tierra Atacama in Chile has released details of its 2011 promotions which include a honeymoon deal (four nights

“We’re concentrating on

all-inclusive, various perks and a free

promoting the country’s

WENDY MCNEILL

night in the Ritz-Carlton Santiago) and a

luxury product – that’s our

UK SALES MANAGER, AMERICAS

'kids and teens stay free' deal.

golf courses, our excellent

Kuoni reports one of its most popular hotels in Chile is the Explora en Rapa

Pictured from top to bottom: Taking to the water on a Cruceros Australis expedition; the Explora en Rapa Nui Lodge, Easter Island; and trekking in the vicinity of the Remota Hotel Patagonia.

DAVE ORROCK

promotional push in the UK and has

wines and cuisine, and polo. “We’ll also be placing more emphasis

“Latin America is becoming a worldclass destination that

Nui Lodge on Easter Island. It offers over

this year on promoting areas outside

15 excursions across the island, on foot,

Buenos Aires. It’s important to promote

considerable investment in its

by bike or at sea.

the rest of Argentina too. The north of the

infrastructure and has changed the

country, for example, is beautiful but UK

perception of the region. Destinations

Argentina, has added a new indoor

visitors typically only visit Buenos Aires

like Chile, Uruguay and Colombia

swimming pool and two ‘Patagonian

and Patagonia.�

offer a real ‘wow’ factor.�

Los Sauces hotel in Calafate,

has undergone

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F E AT U R E C HILE & A R G EN TI N A

ALVARO CASTILLA PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

W H E R E TO B O O K I T

GETTING THERE

W&O TRAVEL

British Airways launches a direct daily

The LATA Foundation

0845 277 3366

service between Heathrow and Buenos

AS PART of the Latin American Travel

“Our communications

www.wandotravel.com

Aires at the end of this month, cutting out

Association, the LATA Foundation

strategy in the UK is part

New for 2011 is Highlights of Chile and

the touch-down in Sao Paulo (Brazil).

supports a range of projects to help put

of a wider European

Argentina, taking in Buenos Aires,

campaign to connect with

Bariloche, the Lakes Districts, Torres del

service from Madrid to Cordoba and

contributed to schemes in Brazil,

our target market and inform them about

Paine and Calafate. The 16-day tour is

serves both Buenos Aires and Santiago

Colombia and Guatemala, and is currently

the wealth of experiences we offer in

priced from ÂŁ3,750pp including flights.

from the Spanish capital.

involved with projects in Bolivia,

TURISMO CHILE

Air Europa flies from London Gatwick

Chile. To deliver this campaign we will be working hand-in-hand with our valued

Iberia has launched a four-times-weekly

EXPLORE

via Madrid to Buenos Aires, while LAN,

something back into the region. It has

Venezuela, Mexico, Peru and Argentina.

David Gilmour, chairman of the LATA

tourism partners in the UK as well as

0844 499 0901

which also serves Santiago from Madrid,

Foundation, says, “Eventually we want to

carving new and direct routes to market.�

www.explore.co.uk

has introduced flights from Lima, Peru, to

have projects throughout Latin America,

The 16-day Atacama to Paine tour visits

Easter Island and the Iguazu Falls.

but more projects, of course, require

Aerolineas Argentinas is developing

AMERICO EDUARDO SOTO

the Atacama desert, Santiago, the Lakes

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, TOURISM AYSEN, CHILE

District, Punta Arenas and Torres del

Cordoba airport as its first regional hub

America and are not already sponsoring

Paine, from ÂŁ2,976pp including flights.

outside Buenos Aires, beginning with

us, please consider doing so. You don’t

new routes this summer to Iguazu, Salta,

even need to be a member of LATA to

Bariloche and the capital city. The airline

support our work or to attend LATA

0844 272 2040

is offering free onward domestic flights

Foundation events.

for activities such as fly-fishing, trekking,

www.gapadventures.co.uk

for passengers flying from London to

kayaking and horse-riding, all of them

GAP Adventures is pushing a 15-day

Buenos Aires. A two-for-one promotion

enormous amount of interest in our work,

amid magical scenery, in the most

End of the Earth tour. From ÂŁ1,569pp, it

on business class fares comes to a close

both here and in Latin America. Over the

beautiful part of Patagonia. We decided

visits Torres del Paine National Park and

at the end of the month.

last two and a half years since we were

to launch this campaign in the British and

the Perito Moreno glacier, Ushuaia and

the European markets as they tend to be

Buenos Aires, and includes a Beagle

resume services between Amsterdam

good start – but there is still so much

more eco-conscious, while operators will

Channel cruise and a two-night camping

and Buenos Aires this October with a

more that we can do,� says Gilmour.

understand better how to sell Aysen.�

excursion in Torres del Paine.

THREE TIMES WEEKLY SERVICE s

See: www.justgiving.com/lata

“Aysen’s main appeal is that it is an undiscovered and unspoiled part of the world. The region is ideal

GAP ADVENTURES

After an absence of ten years, KLM will

more money. If you are involved with Latin

“It is abundantly clear that there is an

founded, we have made a reasonably

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