Chile sees record long-haul tourists as Argentine visits drop, spending shifts to higher-paying markets

Chile's tourism sector is experiencing a record influx of long-haul travelers, even as the number of Argentine visitors declines. The government, through the Undersecretariat of Tourism, reported a historic high for long-distance tourists in the first half of 2026. This trend is accompanied by a notable shift in spending patterns. Argentine tourists, who historically represent a significant portion of visitors, now spend an average of $299 per trip. In contrast, tourists from the United States and Europe are spending considerably more, with an average expenditure of $1,385 per visit. This suggests a potential increase in overall tourism revenue for the country, driven by higher-spending international visitors from further afield. The data highlights a changing landscape in Chile's tourism market, emphasizing the growing importance of attracting travelers from North America and Europe.