HOLA AUSTRALIA!

South America has become one of the hottest holiday and MICE destinations for Australian travellers, and there was plenty of evidence yesterday and again last night at the first South American Showcase, hosted jointly by the tourism offices of Chile, Argentina and Colombia, and over 30 suppliers from the three countries.

More than 200 travel agents and wholesalers attended the first event at Sydney’s Ivy ballroom, with presentations from the three nations, and workshop sessions for Australian wholesalers then travel agents from mid afternoon until an evening cocktail function at which performers presented traditional South American  dances. Tomorrow  night the three-nation group moves to Melbourne, followed on Thursday by a final event in Brisbane.

Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina are the two primary gateways to South America from Australia, with flights from Sydney by carriers including LATAM Airlines Group and Aerolineas Argentinas,  and  extensive internal connections available on these and other carriers. As well as a vast range of cultural, luxury and adventure activities for visitors, Chile, Argentina and Colombia are all actively promoting opportunities to the MICE market, offering not only world-class venues and activities for delegates but extensive pre and post event touring opportunities for delegates and their partners.

Heather Jeffery, event coordinator, with Praful Albuquerque, Sales and Marketing Manager, Natural Focus Safaris

(L to R) Jorge Montero, Executive Representative for Australia, ProExport Colombia; Carolina Valenzuela, Long Haul Market Manager for Turismo Chile and Mariano Vila, Market Coordinator, Asia Pacific and Middle East, for Argentina’s tourism promotion agency, INPROTUR.