Tourism in Chile; Vision of the post-Covid scenario. The opportunity we deserve.

I want to offer my opinion and that of Outdoor Index; a tourism agency and adventure community based in Patagonia Puerto Natales, which I represent in this article. An opinion based on a message of resilience. We trust in our natural resources and believe that, connected to collaborative purposes, with a broad view and being responsible with all involved, we are facing a unique opportunity.

Photo by: @somosnativos.cl

The tourism industry in Chile has been practically at a standstill for more than a year, the level of activity is zero for several months now, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it has really been a struggle to survive. Large companies, by their very nature, have had a greater survival capacity, although they have also been tremendously affected, especially their staff with massive layoffs. Unfortunately, it has been the small businesses and local entrepreneurs who have had to tighten their belts to levels that are admirable (it is truly impressive), hoping that all this will end soon. It hasn't been fun, and it's not to be taken lightly. Help and subsidies have existed, but real access to these contributions has been hindered by bureaucracy.

For those who are still standing, the question is, will I continue to use my time to be influenced by the fateful information, or will I use my precious time to seek and find the opportunity that always, always exists in every crisis? My name is Francisco Bezanilla, and along with managing the content of Outdoor Index, I work part-time as a yoga instructor and movement coach. In this occupation, I have learned from yogic philosophy that I have to take care of myself. Everything I see, smell, read, all information, all human connections, everything is perceived and everything affects me, and my decisions. Even if I don't want it or don't believe it. And so it is for everyone.

Photo by: @runologyproject

That is why at Outdoor Index, we decided to be agents of positive change starting with ourselves. We take advantage of this time to do a deep internal scan and detect what really moves us and establish our principles on 4 pillars, which you can review here.

From this vision, we want to share 3 perspectives on changes of direction and great opportunities that the present has put in front of the entire tourism industry, and how we have decided to take advantage of them:

THE INDUSTRY HAS HAD TIME TO LOOK INWARD.

It has been a period of time that, thanks precisely to the time that was not there before, has allowed for important changes, restructuring, and technological updates. At Outdoor Index, we have used technology as a tool for growth and improvement specifically in the direction of what makes us a B Corporation. We have invested in the development of internal models that, by their own characteristics, generate a benefit for the entire community and ecosystem of tourism in Patagonia, basically through the responsible and purposeful use of digital information. All in search of improving and optimizing access to information and improving the sustainable management of operators to generate a "triple win"; for tourists - local operators - Outdoor Index. We see technology as a tool for unity, quality information, and transparency.

MORE DIVERSE DESTINATIONS AS A CONSERVATION AND REACTIVATION MEASURE.

The trend indicates that preferred destinations will be more diverse than before, basically because preferences will be for destinations with fewer tourists (social distancing will be part of our culture for several more months if not years). And this is excellent news for communities and local operators. Let's diversify to protect! If we want to conserve our nature, it is very important to avoid human erosion that has already affected several of our parks. This basically refers to the fact that many people decide to visit the same places at the same times. The "spread" of demand will lead to discovering new places and thus activating more and different local communities. It is very important that the arrival at these places is with endogenous agents (internal) and not disruptively to the local tourism ecosystem.

GREATER APPRECIATION FOR MORE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCES.

Small groups, or private ones, solo travel, or slow travel will also be a trend (again due to social distancing). This is also good news; the opportunity for a higher level of appreciation and therefore a greater transformative effect of the experience is much greater in small groups. Surely if you are reading this it is because in your travels you prefer to learn, to take something with you, to grow, to discover yourself. For this, it is not necessary for there to be a pandemic, the change begins in the sense and purpose of how you travel and that is more connective if you are not in a group of 15 people.

From these perspectives, we want to show you some examples of outdoor tourism and adventure experiences focused on the aforementioned; diversifying to protect and conserve, endogenous activation of local communities, conscious and transformative tourism.

Photo by: @somosnativos.cl

Nativos Regenerative Experience: a 5-day program in the heart of the Aysén region. They call themselves a "Park School" to change pace and return to the forest. Cooking in the old-fashioned way, exploring its pristine corners, sharing with local gauchos, and building bonds with nature are some of the values of this experience.

Photo by: @bigfoot.patagonia

The Kayak Grey / Serrano navigation is a full-day experience paddling through the glacial waters of Torres del Paine National Park. With top-notch equipment and complete safety induction, it is an unusual way to experience the park. In a unique, complete, and different hydrological circuit, the park is covered from the Pingo River, Lake Grey, Grey River, to the Serrano River. See here.

Photo by: @andrewbrndwn

If you like biking adventures in nature, in this full-day Mountain Bike experience you will ride trails near Punta Arenas flowing through Patagonian mountains on double tracks, single tracks, and old trails. An active and intense interaction with nature, challenging your comfort zone in the most beautiful landscapes in the world. See here.

To date, national tourism has had an opportunity in misfortune. Webinars, training, and more have shown a united industry. United, yes, and pay attention here, among the parties that see a future and prosperity through collaboration and values ​​linked to conscious, sustainable, endogenous, and responsible tourism. The effort has been titanic, epic, to say the least! On behalf of the tourism industry, and of those who feel represented by these values, I want to say to you, future traveler: soon, in a few months, you will be able to travel again and it will be up to you to be aware of the local operators, our environment, our community, and yourself. And through your decisions, ratify those who during this time have made the effort to look at the glass half full and not half empty, that all their positivity was worth the effort.

Congratulations to all the tourism entrepreneurs who are still standing, to those of us who love our nature, our cultures, customs, and all our heritage. That we love it so much that we have no other way of living than wanting to show it to others.

Outdoor Index / Travel and growth based on nature.

Outdoor Index is a company born and operating in Puerto Natales, Magallanes. We have the widest variety of excursions in Patagonia on the market in one place. Your purchase on our platform will directly support local operators and nature conservation. To learn more about what we do, you can click here, follow us on our social networks, or contact us at info@outdoorindex.cl.

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