Residents of Chile took 9.2 million trips in January and February — spending at least one night away from home — out of a population of approximately 17 million. That is according to the National Tourism Service (Sernatur), and it represents an 8 percent increase since last year and a more than doubling of the 2009 number.
Sernatur Director Javier Vergara puts this down to improved economic conditions, and noted that the extreme south and north of the nation drew the most tourism. February has become an unofficial vacation month, and 60 percent of travelers stay with family.
Source: Santiago Times.