Chile’s tourism sector celebrated a significant milestone in 2024, marking the highest number of foreign visitors since the pandemic. According to data presented by the Subsecretaría de Turismo and the Servicio Nacional de Turismo (Sernatur), over 5 million international tourists visited the country, highlighting an impressive recovery in the industry.
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
Verónica Pardo, the Subsecretary of Tourism, revealed a 40.4% increase in international arrivals compared to 2023. This translates to 5,239,233 visitors, a figure that also surpasses 2019’s pre-pandemic levels by 16.0%. “The year 2024 has been a turning point for the reactivation of tourism in Chile,” Pardo stated.
December emerged as a particularly strong month, with over 647,000 arrivals and a remarkable 47.3% increase compared to the previous year. This performance led to an upward adjustment in projections for the summer season of 2025.
With a total of 647,743 international arrivals in December, the sector surpassed expectations, prompting a revision in tourist arrival forecasts for the high season. Initial projections of 2,100,292 visitors have been adjusted to 2,225,773, reflecting a 22.5% increase over the previous year’s high season.
Top Visitor Markets: Argentina and Brazil Lead the Way
Argentina retained its position as Chile’s primary source of international tourists. A total of 2,088,389 Argentinians visited Chile in 2024, reflecting a staggering 73.2% increase from 2023 (1,205,662 arrivals) and a 45.5% rise compared to 2019.
Brazil also delivered a standout performance, with 787,036 arrivals—the best figures recorded in the period between 2013 and 2024. This represented a 62.0% increase over the previous year, solidifying Brazil’s role as a key market for Chilean tourism.
Other notable contributors included the United States, which accounted for 4.9% of total arrivals. Together, Argentina (39.9%), Brazil (15.0%), and the United States formed the top three nationalities visiting Chile.
Strategic Recovery Efforts
Santiago Fernández, Sernatur’s National Director, credited these numbers to the agency’s International Tourism Promotion Plan (2023-2027). “This growth aligns with our strategy to recover pre-pandemic levels, with a focus on critical markets such as Argentina and Brazil,” he explained.
Regional destinations, particularly those near international borders, also benefited significantly from the influx of visitors. Areas such as Los Lagos, Volcanes, and Patagonia saw heightened activity, largely driven by Argentine tourists utilizing international crossing points.
Recommendations for Responsible Tourism
To enhance the visitor experience and ensure safety, Sernatur partnered with the Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (Sernac) to promote responsible tourism practices.
“Our primary recommendation is for visitors to use services listed in our National Registry of Tourism Service Providers,” advised Fernández. The registry includes over 37,000 certified tourism services, ranging from accommodations and transportation to adventure tourism activities. This initiative aims to provide tourists with reliable options while supporting the country’s formal tourism sector.
A Positive Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Chile’s tourism rebound in 2024 not only showcased the resilience of the industry but also set a solid foundation for future growth. With revised projections for 2025 and a strategic focus on promoting key international markets, Chile is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global tourism landscape. Whether exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, the vibrant cityscapes of Santiago, or the serene beauty of the Atacama Desert, visitors to Chile can look forward to unforgettable experiences.
