EXPERIENCE LATIN AMERICA 2018 Exhibitor Newsletter 

Experience Latin America by LATA is Europe's largest travel trade event dedicated to Latin America. The Latin American Travel Association's flagship event brings together key suppliers and buyers for three days of business appointments, seminars and networking. In 2018, ela will feature 127 exhibitors with 29 first time exhibitors and 98 returning exhibitors, including tourist boards, airlines, tour operators, local DMCs, cruise and transportation companies as well as other travel and tourism products operating to and in Latin America. Here is the latest news from ela exhibitors: 

DESTINATION NEWS

Chile welcomes two new National Parks

Two new national parks called the Patagonia National Park and the Pumalin National Park have recently opened in Chile bringing the Chilean government closer to the realisation of the 'Ruta de los Parques' initiative. The project is aimed at linking 17 national parks together along a 2,000 kilometre stretch in Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn, opening up the region to tourism whilst also protecting this natural area. www.chile.travel

107 beaches of Costa Rica awarded the Blue Flag status for 2018 

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has awarded the Blue Flag status to 107 beaches for 2018. The list recognises the cleanest and most sustainable beaches in the country, which are evaluated against strict criteria in order to become part of Costa Rica's prestigious Blue Flag Ecology Programme (PBAE). Beaches included in the country's Blue Flag Ecology Programme feature clean sands, excellent sea water quality, waste disposal programmes, accessibility to showers and toilets and availability of lifeguards and emergency staff throughout the year. www.visitcostarica.com 

Brazilian Embassy welcomes exhibition featuring Brazilian Modern art painted for WW2

The Brazilian Embassy in London in collaboration with EMBRATUR has recently launched an art exhibition called 'The Art of Diplomacy: Brazilian Modernism Painted for War', which reveals the hidden story of Brazilian artists' contribution to the British war effort during WW2. Open until 22 June, the exhibition features pieces from 20 of Brazil's finest Modernist artists including, Candido Portinari, Emiliano Di Cavalcanti, Lasar Segall, Milton Dacosta and Roberto Burle-Marx. The display commemorates the story of the collaboration between the UK and Brazil during WW2 when 25,000 Brazilian troops joined the Allies to fight the war, and a group of 70 artists donated their work for the first ever Brazilian exhibition in Britain at the Royal Academy of Arts. www.theartofdiplomacy.com

'Ecotourism Corridor' introduced in Argentina

 The Litoral region in Argentina has recently launched a new tourist route called the 'Ecotourism Corridor'. The circuit encompasses four major areas including Iguazu & Mancona, Ibera, Impenetrable and Bañado La Estrella, and features hiking routes, horse riding paths as well as offering visitors the chance to learn about native people and their culture. The aim of the project is to encourage the conservation of endemic species and to promote tourism to these regions, whilst also positioning Argentina as one of Latin America's number one tourist destinations. www.argentina.travel 

Quito welcomes new digital platform

As part of a new tourism initiative to position Quito as a 'Smart' destination, Quito Turismo has recently launched a new digital platform offering visitors detailed information about key tourism attractions and must-see routes in the city. Travellers will be able to access the platform online, and also via an app, which they can download onto their phone and have access to whilst visiting Quito. www.quitotravel.ec/en/home/news/

New Archaeological site to open in Mexico 

A new archaeological site called the Ichkabal Mayan - dating back to 300 BC - is set to open in at the end of 2018 in the southern region of Quintana Roo. The site is spread over more than 30 square kilometres and is believed to have been one of the most important political centres in the region during the Preclassic Mayan era. Located 82 kilometres from Chetumal in the municipality of Bacalar – the site is expected to increase visitor numbers to the region. www.visitmexico.com

HOTEL NEWS

Explora to open new Argentina property

High-end experiential travel pioneers explora has announced the opening of a new Argentinean hotel in 2020 as part of the company's international expansion plans. The new 50-room hotel will be situated in the “Los Huemules” Natural Reserve, 17 kilometres from El Chaltén – an area that has been attracting explorers and travellers for more than 100 years. www.explora.com

Fasano Angra dos Reis opens in Brazil

A new hotel Fasano Angra dos Reis has recently opened in the prestigious FRADE resort located on Brazil's Green Coast, three hours from Rio de Janiero. The luxury property has 60 spacious apartments boasting sea and garden views, a state-of-the-art spa dedicated to well-being treatments, two swimming pools and two restaurants serving traditional meals made with locally-sourced ingredients. www.fasano.com.br

AIRLINE NEWS

LATAM Airlines introduces news flight routes to extensive network of destinations

In 2018, LATAM Airlines is introducing a further 12 international routes to its extensive network of destinations. In September 2018, the airline will launch a new route from Lisbon, Portugal to Sao PAULO, Brazil. In December 2018, LATAM will launch a new flight connecting Tel Aviv to Santiago, Chile via São Paulo, Brazil, becoming the only carrier to operate flights between Israel and Latin America. A further eight new direct flights will be added to LATAM's network, to and from Peru's main tourist destinations departing from Cusco, including Arequipa, Juliaca and Puerto Maldonado, Pisco, Iquitos and Trujillo, as well as Lima and Santiago de Chile. www.latam.com

Air Europa introduces a new Gatwick-Recife route

New for 2018, Air Europa has started operating a new service from London Gatwick to the Brazilian city of Recife via Madrid. The twice-weekly route will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays – with the addition of a third weekly flight expected in 2018. Return flights will start from £651 return in January 2018. The airline is also reinforcing its presence in Ecuador by introducing new flights to Quito Airport, highlighting the airline's interest in the country and goal of meeting the growing demand, both in the tourist and corporate travel markets. www.aireuropa.com

British Airways and Iberia increase flights to Chile

British Airways and Iberia are both increasing capacity to Santiago de Chile. From June 2018, Iberia will add an additional three flights from Madrid, bringing the total to ten flights per week. There will be a daily overnight flight with an additional daytime flight three days per week. British Airways will launch a fifth direct, nonstop service to the Chilean capital from end of October 2018. www.britishairways.com  

CRUISE NEWS

Australis launches on-board photography expeditions for February 2019

The expedition cruise operator, Australis, will hold exclusive photography expeditions in February 2019 with award winning photographer Nori Jemil. Specialising in photographing extreme landscapes and wildlife in polar regions and Patagonia, Jemil will hold an on-board seminar and workshops as well as providing practical photography advice on excursions on two four-night itineraries: 17 February 2019 – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia and 21 February Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.  Prices for a four night cruise start from £1,720pp. Book with australis.com. This trip can be booked through travel agents and tour operators.

Haugan Cruises welcomes new trimaran

Luxury cruise company Haugan Cruises has recently announced the introduction of a new trimaran (a multihull boat) called Motor Trimaran Camila, which will navigate the Galapagos Islands. The eight-cabin boat can accommodate up to 16 passengers and boasts outstanding facilities including private balconies, panoramic windows to admire the scenery, a Jacuzzi and ample social areas. Guests will be accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide who will provide detailed information about the Galapagos Islands, as well as ten on board crew members and a cruise manager. www.haugancruises.com

New 2018 Pantanal departures with Pantanal Explorer

Cruise specialist Pantanal Explorer, has introduced a new six-night cruise tour in the northern Pantanal region in Brazil due to start in September 2018. Visitors will travel along the Paraguay and Cuiaba rivers on board a five-cabin cruise boat called the Motor Vessel. Highlights of the trip include exploring four different nature reserves, including The Taiaman Ecological Reserve, The Pantanal National Park, the Meeting for the Waters State Park and the Transpantaneira Park Road to observe local flora and fauna and local jaguars. The company will offer guests two departure dates on 16 and 22 September. The cruise is priced from £3,711 per person. www.pantanalexplorer.com.br

New hosted departures for 2018 with Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions continues to the lead the way for eco-conscious, luxury river cruising with a difference. Its programme of 2018 hosted departures onboard the Aria Amazon offers guests a true immersion into the rich culture and traditions surrounding the Amazon, whilst highlighting the importance of preserving these regions and their communities. Guests can explore the flavours of the Amazon with consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino; learn all about conservation from one of the best in the field, Jean-Michel

Cousteau; or join founder Francesco Galli Zugaro in a discovery of his favourite spots and the birth of Aqua Expeditions. www.aquaexpeditions.com

Golden Galapagos Cruises introduces new luxury yacht

Galapagos Islands cruise operator Golden Galapagos Cruises has recently acquired a new generation luxury catamaran called the Galapagos Endemic due to start operations in July 2018. The catamaran will operate eight, six and four day cruises around the Galapagos Islands and will feature panoramic suites, wall to wall glass doors, an outdoor balcony, as well as spacious and modern social areas and an open sky lounge with a Jacuzzi. Prices start from £2,520. In July 2019, Golden Galapagos Cruises will also welcome a luxury catamaran M/C Elite to its fleet of vessels. www.goldengalapagoscruises.com

TOUR OPERATOR NEWS

New open water swimming programme in Chile with KMS Travel Chile

KMS Travel Chile has launched a new 'open water swimming experience' in Puerto Varas, located in northern Chilean Patagonia, designed to introduce visitors to the culture, nature and stunning landscapes of the destination. The trip will include swimming in some of Chile's most spectacular and remote lakes surrounded by mountains including Llanquihue Lake in the Puerto Chico sector, Niklitschedk Beach, Todos los Santos Lake, Reloncavi Estuary, Tagua Tagua Lake, and Purehue Lake. The trip is priced from £1,022 per person and includes accommodation and airport transfers (excluding international flights). www.kmstravel.cl

New helicopter experience by Falkland Travel

Starting in November 2018, Falkland Islands travel experts Falkland Travel, will offer guests the possibility of enjoying the islands from the sky with a new 'King Penguins by Helicopter' tour. Travellers will be collected from their accommodation by Falkland Islands Helicopter services to enjoy a scenic flight over Stanley before landing at Volunteer Point where they will be able to observe three different species of penguins. The experience is priced from £349 based on two people sharing. www.falklandislands.travel

Lares Uruguay introduces new horse-riding tours

Local DMC Lares Uruguay has introduced a number of new horse-riding itineraries in Uruguay. Starting in March 2019, the company will launch an eight day luxury horse-riding tour from La Barra on the southern coast of the country to Garzon. The trip includes a cooking class with a local chef, visiting Uruguay's pristine southern beaches, and learning about local customs. The experience is priced from £849 per person. Other itineraries include a seven-day 'Painted Birds' tour, during which guests will visits traditional 'estancias' (farms) and the coastal province of 'Rocha' – a protected area and biosphere reserve, as well as an eight-day 'Riding from the hills to the ocean' excursion, which crosses the rolling hills, vineyards and olive plantations of southern Uruguay to the coast. Prices are available upon request. www.larestours.com

Magriturismo launches new tour in the Bolivian Amazon

MagriTurismo has introduced a new three-night trip in the Madidi National Park in the north west of Bolivia. Staying in hanging tents and the 'Albergue Ecologico de Chalalan – one of the best eco lodges in the area – the experience will introduce guests to the local flora and fauna and will include a wide range of activities such as hiking, fishing and wildlife spotting. Visitors will also enjoy nocturnal excursions during which travellers will enjoy a different jungle experience and learn about the night-time animals. The trip is priced from £664 based on two people sharing. www.magriturismo.com

LimaTours renews its Rainforest Alliance Certification for Sustainable Tourism in 2018

In 2018, Peruvian tour operator LimaTours was re-certified with the Rainforest Alliance Certification for Sustainable Tourism for the company's commitment to developing eco-responsible and sustainable tours. The Rainforest Alliance Certificate assures consumers that companies are using environmentally and socially responsible practices. www.limatours.com

OTHER NEWS

Inca Rail introduces 'The Private' train carriage

Inca Rail has introduced a new 'private' service on board the train, which travels to Machu Picchu, allowing groups of up to eight people to exclusively hire a luxury carriage for the duration of the journey. The carriage is a refurbished parlour car spaciously designed with its own bar, balcony, lounge seating area, upholstered armchairs and dining tables. The service operates between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu and comes with two butlers and a chef, who serve a tasting menu using local ingredients paired with fine wines. A round-trip is priced from £7,400 and a one-way trip is priced from £4,400. Price includes tasting menu, open bar, welcome champagne and private transfer from the train station to Machu Picchu citadel. www.incarail.com

Belmond Copacabana Palace's pan Asian restaurant MEE retains Michelin star for fourth consecutive year 

MEE at Belmond Copacabana Palace, located in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, has retained its Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year, securing its credentials as the first and only Pan-Asian establishment to receive this accolade in South America. Lead by Chef Kazuo Harada, MEE takes its guests on a culinary journey across Asia serving dishes from Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Korea, Vietnam and China. The restaurant intricately combines its dishes with their collection of 30 sake labels, imported from North and South Japan. www.belmond.com  

Americas adds two new partners to its portfolio

Sales and representation company Americas has announced two new partnerships with Camino Travel in Costa Rica and ADSMundo / Sportstour in Chile. The Americas will be at ELA with other partners including Argentina Travel Partners (Argentina), Crillon Tours (Bolivia), Walpax (Brazil), Colombian Journeys, Andando Tours (Ecuador and Galapagos), Panama Journeys and LimaTours (Peru).