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Chile's Tourism Sector Reels as Visitors Cancel Trips Amid Protests

Reuters

   SANTIAGO - Chile's tourism industry is feeling the pinch amid violent
   protests that have rocked capital Santiago since last month, with hotel
   reservations down by half and many cancelling trips after the country
   pulled out of hosting two major summits.

   The hit underscores the wider impact of the chaos that has gripped the
   South American nation for almost two weeks, since protests over a hike
   in metro fares spun out of control, leading to riots, arson and looting
   that have left at least 18 dead.

   "We won't be able to endure much more of this, the losses are
   enormous," said Ivan Marambio, a manager at the Principado hotel chain
   in Santiago. "All the hotels are practically empty," he said, referring
   to the central area near Plaza de Italia, where many of the protests
   have gathered.

   The impact to tourism-related businesses has spread.

   "Tourism is a very sensitive industry, and we've seen reservations drop
   by around 50% these last two weeks," said Monica Zalaquett, Chile's
   sub-secretary of tourism. "And what is tough for the industry is that
   there won't be new reservations until the country's situation
   stabilizes."

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