Chile will, for the first time, host the 4th World Conference on Wine Tourism. The event will take place on September 2019. Chile will boast all it’s potential to further develop wine tourism.
Chile was nominated as the host of this event during the last world conference that took place last year in Mendoza, Argentina. It was during the latter event that delegates from Enoturismo Chile (headed by its president José Miguel Viu) convinced the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to host thier annual Wine Tourism event in Chile.
Tourism plays a fundamental role in positioning Chile’s brand internationally. Wine tourism activities related to Chilean vineyards and wineries attracted more than one million visitors during the past year. The sector has grown 21.3% during the last 10 years.
“This is an important event for the chilean tourism industry. We will share our experience with the international community, learn about trends and provide instances so that all attendees may experience our wine tourism in Chile”, said Andrea Wolleter, Executive Vice President of FEDETUR (Chile’s only tourism federation).
Chile’s geography and climate provide a many wine valley’s that could host UNWTO’s event. The public-private led program, Enoturismo Chile, leads the selection process to chose 2019’s host valley in Chile. Apart from receiving each valley’s application, the program also implements a strategic marketing plan to position Chilean wine tourism.
Enoturismo Chile’s Executive Committee will be in charge of selecting and ratifying the next venue. During the latest international meeting in Argentina the event hosted 640 delegates from 23 countries. The delegations comprised members from tourism ministries, destination management organizations, international organizations, tour operators, wine experts and specialized media. The event was able to create dynamic expert discussions, on-subject presentations and shed light on this industry’s challenges and developments.
Chile’s wine tourism has developed between the regions of Coquimbo to Biobio. From 339 existing wineries in Chile, 94 (27%) have developed tourism programs. 65% of the latter visits are carried out by international travellers (mainly Brazilians).
