Cruising brings 350,000 tourists to Chile each year, a significant number of the annual 3.6m visitors.
Newly appointed Conosur executive director Sebastián Montero Lira, Conosur president Ignacio Covacevich F. and treasurer Esteban Bilbao Garcia invited the undersecretary to participate actively in Conosur, and the officials pledged to work together to maximize the benefits of cruise tourism.
Another topic of the meeting concerned the importance of easing cabotage to support the growth of the international cruise sector while also ensuring the protection of the national cruise business.
The meeting also confirmed the joint participation of tourism and Conosur officials in Seatrade Cruise Global, to be held in March 14-17 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Conosur's executive director is a new position created to strengthen the organization and carry out its work plan.
Montero, who fills that role, earlier held two consecutive terms as Conosur president. He wrapped up his second presidency a little over a year ago after leaving the Port of Arica, where he was vp, following a change in government.
Montero has been a strong proponent of developing Chile's cruise sector. Wtih his involvement, Conosur urged measures to reduce lighthouse dues and allow coastwise casino operations on board international cruise ships. He also helped attract new cruise lines to Chile and was instrumental in making Seatrade Latin America a success in Valparaíso in 2013.
Conosur is a private, nonprofit corporation consisting of ports, port operators, Valparaíso Passenger Terminal and leading ground handler Destination Management Chile.
