Chilean Hotel and Tourism Association

Chilean Hotel and Tourism Association
Name	Chilean Hotel and Tourism Association
Native name	Asociación Chilena de Empresas de Turismo y Hotelería
Formation	1978
Type	Trade association
Headquarters	Santiago, Chile
Region served	Chile
Languages	Spanish
Leader title	President

Chilean Hotel and Tourism Association is a trade association representing the hospitality and tourism industry in Chile. The organization connects hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators and related service providers across regions such as Santiago de Chile, Valparaíso Region, and Magallanes Region. It engages with public institutions like the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism (Chile), regional authorities, and international bodies including World Travel & Tourism Council and UN World Tourism Organization.

History

The association traces roots to the late 20th century amid growth in Chilean tourism and hospitality sectors influenced by events like the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifying era and economic policies associated with Chicago Boys. Early development coincided with increased international arrivals following initiatives tied to the Andean Community and bilateral ties with countries represented by missions such as the Embassy of Argentina in Santiago. In the 1990s the association adapted to trends after Chile's post-dictatorship reforms involving institutions like the Comisión Nacional de Productividad and economic forums connected to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The 21st century saw the association respond to crises impacting travel, including effects from the 2010 Chile earthquake and global disruptions linked to the 2008 global financial crisis and later the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organization and Governance

The association is structured with an executive board, regional committees and specialized councils mirroring governance models from organisations such as Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Chile and international federations like International Hotel and Restaurant Association. Leadership includes a president, vice-presidents, and a secretary-general who interact with entities such as the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego and regional intendancies like the Intendencia de la Región Metropolitana de Santiago. Corporate governance follows Chilean legal frameworks overseen by institutions like the Servicio de Impuestos Internos and aligns reporting practices with standards advocated by groups such as International Organization for Standardization.

Membership and Representation

Membership comprises boutique hotels, international chains represented by companies such as AccorHotels, Hilton Worldwide, and Marriott International, as well as local operators like firms from Patagonia and the Atacama Desert hospitality sector. Professional members include tour operators affiliated with associations like Asociación de Agencias de Viajes de Chile and service providers engaged in regions such as Iquique and Punta Arenas. The association represents stakeholders before legislative bodies like the Chamber of Deputies of Chile and interacts with sectoral regulators including the Superintendencia de Casinos de Juego and tourist promotion agencies similar to Sernatur.

Activities and Services

The association offers training programs in partnership with educational institutions such as Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and University of Chile, and certification initiatives that reference standards from International Air Transport Association and Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It organizes capacity-building workshops for human resources drawn from hotels in Puerto Varas, tour guides operating in Easter Island and coastal operators along the Chilean Coast. Services include market research, benchmarking studies referencing data from Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (Chile), and crisis management guidance following precedents from events like the 2015 Valparaíso fire.

Policy Advocacy and Industry Impact

The association lobbies on legislation affecting taxation, labor and infrastructure with engagement in debates involving the Ministry of Finance (Chile), the Labour Directorate (Dirección del Trabajo), and transport projects coordinated with agencies such as Dirección de Aeropuertos Civil Aeronautics Administration of Chile-related bodies. It has influenced policies on visa facilitation similar to dialogues seen with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chile) and contributed position papers echoing frameworks from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports. The association's advocacy addresses sustainability aligned with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change considerations and disaster resilience practices inspired by the National Emergency Office of the Interior Ministry (Chile).

Partnerships and International Relations

The association maintains partnerships with multinational hotel groups like IHG Hotels & Resorts, regional tourism boards including the Patagonia Tourism Board, and international organizations such as UN World Tourism Organization and World Travel & Tourism Council. It collaborates with bilateral chambers like the American Chamber of Commerce in Chile and engages in exchange programs with counterparts in Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain. Through memoranda of understanding it has coordinated initiatives referencing standards from Global Sustainable Tourism Council and participated in events organized by the International Congress and Convention Association.

Awards, Events, and Publications

The association hosts national awards recognizing excellence in hospitality and sustainable practices akin to honors presented by entities such as the National Tourism Awards (Chile) and organizes trade fairs with partners like the International Tourism Fair of Santiago and regional showcases in Antofagasta. Regular publications include industry reports, newsletters and benchmarking studies comparable to publications from the World Travel & Tourism Council and analytical briefs citing statistics from the Banco Central de Chile and the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (Chile). Recurring conferences address themes highlighted at forums like the COP Chile (UN Climate Change Conference) and international summits involving delegations from the European Union and United States.

Category:Hospitality industry associations Category:Tourism in Chile