Chile was named Best International Destination at the first edition of the Forbes Travel Awards, a new global award organized by the Forbes Travel editorial board that aims to highlight destinations, companies, and initiatives that view tourism as a tool for prosperity, inclusion, and future development.
In this category, Chile came out on top against other prominent international destinations that were also nominated: the Alentejo region in Portugal and Japan.
The Forbes Travel Awards will be held for the first time in 2026 as a media initiative designed to recognize the most influential players in global tourism. In this context, winning this award at its inaugural event holds additional strategic value, as it positions Chile from the outset among the world’s leading destinations.
For the Undersecretary of Tourism, María Paz Lagos, “this is a very significant recognition for Chile and for the entire sector. This award reflects the collaborative efforts that the government, industry associations, and thousands of tourism entrepreneurs across the country have made over the years to offer unique and sustainable experiences. It is also an incentive to continue promoting higher-quality tourism and to position Chile as a destination in new markets.”
This recognition enhances the country’s image in key markets—particularly in Europe—and bolsters the confidence of travelers, tour operators, and international investors in Chile’s tourism offerings, which are characterized by their diverse landscapes, sustainability, and unparalleled experiences throughout the country.
For his part, Cristóbal Benítez, the national director of Sernatur, noted that “Chile continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations. This also reinforces the work we have been doing through our international promotion strategy, through which we are committed to promoting national destinations and experiences that are sustainable, innovative, and world-class.”
This recognition also builds on Chile’s prominent feature in the December 2025 issue of Forbes magazine, where the country was selected as the spotlight destination for a special publication distributed to the magazine’s international subscribers.
Chile Earns International Recognition
Chile was also recognized at the 2026 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, where Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama stood out based on the reviews and ratings of millions of travelers posted on the TripAdvisor platform.
Santiago received significant recognition in the Solo Travel – Global category, ranking fourth and establishing itself as a top choice for solo travelers thanks to factors such as safety, the variety of experiences available, connectivity, and the quality of its tourism offerings.
In the Top South American Destination category, Santiago ranked 12th, standing out for its urban, cultural, and culinary offerings, as well as its proximity to natural destinations, while San Pedro de Atacama ranked 15th, establishing itself as one of South America’s most iconic destinations thanks to its landscapes and experiences centered on nature, astronomy, and special-interest tourism.
In addition, three tourist experiences in Chile were highlighted in TIME magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026” ranking: Estancia Mercedes (Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region), Pared Sur Camp (Aysén Region), and Ephedra Restaurant (Antofagasta Region), all of which combine nature, local identity, and world-class cuisine.
Read the original article on the website of the Chilean Undersecretariat of Tourism.
