Michelle Bachelet

President Michelle Bachelet passed on a law this Thursday, seeking to protect cultural heritage and the environment, provide high-quality service in tourism-related services, and create a greater institutional character that would re-enforce tourism in the country.

According to the President, “thanks to tourism, our economy can progress in diversity and decentralization of productive opportunities, as well as earn an increasing activity to offer more and better jobs to thousands of people”.

The Minister of Economy, Hugo Lavados, explained that tourism only represents 3% of the Chile’s Gross Domestic Product, while in countries like Costa Rica, it reaches 7%.  The goal now is to raise that figure and aim to achieve a tourism income of four billion dollars by 2012.

The legislation also wants to establish a high-quality system for adventure tourism and accommodation services. Those services that have achieved the touristic certification may receive a “stamp” that guarantees their quality. Any infractions to the quality and/or safety of the goods and services provided for tourists shall be dealt with seriously.