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The objective of the project “Generation of conditions for the product diversification and the sustainable use of the touristic potential in Melinka-Raúl Balmaceda-La Junta” is to develop the special interest tourism in the northern territory of the Aysén Region. The project is executed by EuroChile and co-financed by InnovaChile CORFO and SERNATUR, SERCOTEC and the Provincial Government of Aysén, among others. The initiative will allow the construction of a new touristic destination in the Chilean Patagonia, exploring the diversity of the territory and its attractions characterized by a natural beauty mostly unexplored and potentiating the currently low touristic development. The regional director of CORFO Aysén, Juan Carlos San Martín, about the project and the importance it has for the region. Why does CORFO support this project? Well, our region has an enormous potential regarding tourism, particularly special interest tourism, which constitutes one of the development priorities of the zone, given that we have the natural conditions and surroundings that allow us to develop different activities, in this case, in the northern territory of Aysén, that are of direct benefit for the local entrepreneurs. The government of President Bachelet is, by CORFO, carrying out different initiatives linked to the development of our territory. It is our mission and commitment to contribute to generate capacities in the region for research, development, and innovation. Our aim is to transform “Aysén Patagonia” into a worldwide known tourism destination. What are the main objectives and challenges of the project? The objective of this project is to establish surrounding conditions that allow the construction of a new tourism destination in the Chilean Patagonia in Melinka-Raúl Balmaceda-La Junta, adding value to the unique nature found there and thus strengthening the local SMEs. The main challenge is to achieve that the local SMEs believe in the possibilities of development and to make public and private sectors work together, because they can reach more by cooperating. What does the project improve for the tourism SMEs of the zone? The project has a big impact on the SMEs of the zone because the local entrepreneurs have been strengthened and developed and moreover, there are new networks and the entrepreneurs could get to know the experiences in other countries, which were included in the strategic plan of the tourism development. For example, 25 micro entrepreneurs went to Puerto Madryn in Argentina in order to get to know the tourism of marine fauna watching and apply it to their businesses afterwards. As CORFO, we want our small companies to improve their product and service quality and quantity, and this goes by having better knowledge. Which other tourism projects does CORFO support currently in the zone? Currently, there are three projects: a tourism innovation agenda of Chile Chico, a scientific tourism center, and PTI Aysén Patagonia. How do you see EuroChile´s role in the development of this project? EuroChile has contributed with its broad experience and knowledge of how to develop new tourism products and destinations in favor of the local SMEs. Moreover, EuroChile articulated the work that other institutions are carrying out in the territory.
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