Dear friends and partners.
What a year has been 2020 for all the wrong reasons!!! But for the longest and thinnest country in South America, 2020 has been a year that will stay in history.
With over 78% of the votes, the Chilean Constitution will be rewritten. The vote has taken place on Sunday 25th October. This change has been demanded by the vast protests that have shaken Chile since last year and as part of the changes that the population required, President Pinera has agreed to the referendum. The new constitution is expected to be finished within 2 years from this Sunday. Here is some additional information - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-54687090
Continuing with the good news…
Changes are indeed needed when things are not working quite so well but, there is also merit in advocating consistency, determination and devotion to old practices.
Turavion with over 86 years in the market and still managed and owned by the family Sacchetti showed a strong and well-managed operation.
Turavion has been able to retain 16 people in our incoming division who are working very hard to assist all our clients and their requests. For all of those who have left Turavion, we are in close communication and I am pleased to say that we have met with all our duties with them and we hope that as business picks up, these value stakeholders will return to work with us.
Since last year, Turavion has embarked on a strategy to improve our systems and processes and, today, I am glad to say that we are nearing the end of the first phase where all our services and rates are fully loaded in our system (Tourplan). The new booking and reservation system has an agent portal where our clients will be able to access information about all destinations in Chile, our newsletters, and Rates amongst many other resources that are available, helping our partners in converting those opportunities that we are all in much need of.
Our liability insurance has also been enhanced to cover-up to $3.5 Million Dollars.
In terms of Sustainability, Turavion is the only major DMC in Chile that holds the three main sustainable stamps provided and certified by Tourism Secretary in Chile, reinforcing our commitment with our people, environment and economic development.
Covid 19 – The number of people infected by the virus is declining (https://chilereports.cl/en/news/2020/10/28/coronavirus-report---october-28-2020) and it is believed that Chile has passed the peak of the pandemic. For further and more detailed information follow the below link. Please note that the information there is in Spanish only. https://www.gob.cl/coronavirus/cifrasoficiales/
Turavion has been awarded the Tourist Trust seal given by the Chilean Government through the tourism board (SERNATUR) taking over the commitment related to COVID-19 Protocols. Our company has also been awarded the Safe Travels seal promoted by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
This way, we want to guarantee you we have taken all the necessary measures for your clients to have a safe and pleasant travel experience in Chile
There are plenty more hotels that are being opened in Santiago region and all of the establishments are following strict heal and safety guidelines developed by SERNATUR.
There are plans to further open our borders with many more international carriers flying into Chile from November onwards. The below information is of those airlines that are currently operating and or have confirmed operation.
AUGUST
· LATAM/LAN (Santiago SCL – São Paulo GRU as well as Santiago SCL – Miami MIA daily/ São Paulo GRU – Miami MIA three times a week)
· American Airlines (Miami MIA -Santiago SCL operates again since May)
· DELTA Airlines (Santiago SCL -Atlanta ATL operates again since May)
· Air France (operates again since July)
· Iberia Airlines (operates again since July)
· Copa Airlines (Santiago SCL -Miami MIA and further flight connections)
· KLM (Direct flight Santiago SCL – Amsterdam AMS, twice a week)
· Air Europa (São Paulo GRU – Madrid MAD, from there connecting flights to Santiago are available)
SEPTEMBER
· GOL (Santiago SCL -São Paulo GRU)
· Air Canada (to be confirmed)
· Aerolíneas Argentinas (Buenos Aires EZE – Santiago SCL)
· Avianca (Santiago SCL – Madrid MAD)
OCTOBER
· United Airlines
NOVEMBER
· Qantas (to be confirmed)
Chile has also
If there is anything that we can be of assistance in Chile, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards.
Daniel.
