SANTIAGO — The Undersecretary of Tourism and the National Tourism Board (SERNATUR) says that the majority of Chile’s tourism businesses and activities continue to operate as normal as protests continue in the country’s capital.

Thousands of protesters clashed with riot police yesterday in Santiago after an apology and promises of economic reforms from President Sebastian Pinera failed to quell unrest.

The movement started with anger at a small rise in subway fares, but expanded into protests against inequality and to demand improvements in education, health care and wages.

Most, but not all, of the protests have been peaceful with demonstrators of all ages banging pots to demand reforms.

Chile has long been regarded as the best-managed countries in Latin America.

SERNATUR says tourism operations continue to operate as normal across the country, including in the most visited destinations such as San Pedro de Atacama, Elqui Valley, Rapa Nui, Juan Fernández Island, the Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park.

The cities of Valparaíso, Concepción, Coquimbo and Rancagua also continue to operate business and transportation normally, although accessibility from Santiago may be impacted.

Santiago will have limited public transportation and commercial activity while the situation with protests continues, says SERNATUR.

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is operating as usual, however, some airlines have rescheduled flights to and from the capital, causing impacts to travel.

The airports in all other regions of the country are fully operational.

Travellers are encouraged to contact the airlines directly to confirm if flights have been impacted. Bus terminals throughout the entire country are operating as normal.

Transfers and taxis to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport are operating partially, and passengers should expect delays in travel to and from the airport.

In the event that the authorities restrict transit on public roads, travellers are recommended to have passport and copy of boarding pass readily available to ensure passage to and from the airport.

“The Undersecretary of Tourism and the National Tourism Board encourages tourists to be well-informed of the situation and act accordingly. Be familiar with the destinations to which you are traveling, and be respectful of the rules stipulated by local authorities. Use official taxi services at the airports and tourist service providers certified by SERNATUR.”

Travellers can contact the Tourist Information Offices for further information and inquiries.

SERNATUR provided several links of interest …

Airport: Contact airlines directly to ask about impact on travel plans

Public transportation: Ministry of Transportation – http://www.usuarios.subtrans.gob.cl/

Metro network in Santiago: https://www.metro.cl/

Recommendations and procedures for entry into Chile: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – https://minrel.gob.cl/recomendaciones-para-ingresar-a-chile/minrel/2008-06-19/154047.html

Tourism information: www.sernatur.cl and https://chile.travel

With file from The Associated Press