Back in Punta Arenas and off to Puerto Williams

So it seems that getting back from holiday is always a bit hard. Atleast it wasnt pouring down rain. We were in Punta Arenas for about three days and then went off to Isla Riesco for easter weekend. Thats were Alejandras mom has an estancia, Rancho Sutivan. She wants to do some kind of rural tourism there so it may be an opportunity for future work. But for now it was a nice quite place with a great view and lots of cows......

The day after we got back we whisked off to Ushuaia. I wanted to go see Rob, and then cross to Puerto Williams. Well, i have to say that this trip was a typical Williams experience for those who know it. We crossed over to williams no problem. Got to Coiron and Andres and Murielle were there taking care of the business. Everything was good, although andres had tired eyes. He has been working loads with the ACT, (Asociacion Comunitaria de Turismo), and it seems things are going well. Since the end of the season they have had three meetings witha high attendance. They even arrive early to the meetings! Anyway, the directorio was changed and now Luis Tiznado is president, Patti is treasurer, and Jeannete is vice. They are also preparing a presentation for the authorities about how they see tourism growth. FYI, A lot is based on the strategy that Marieke worked on, and obviously on the relentless promotion of cooperation, and its advantages, by all of us.

We were going to stay for two days in Williams, but then the day we arrived we heard that the governor had shut down Navarino for Ushuaia boating for good. Although this had happened a few times with no avail. This time both the alcalde and the governor decided that the pier at Navarino is not in conditions for the arrival of tourists efectively screwing ushuaia boating. So basically the pier is not safe. He decided this from one minute to the other.

So alejandras mom starts calling her contacts in PA and goes off to complain to the governor. About two hours later he shows up personally at the hostel to tell us that we can leave with a yacht which is leaving the island immediately.

So we got off the island, and after a 6 hour yacht ride we arrived in Ushuaia. Its snowing by the way. The thing is, before i left i went to SERNATUR. I talked to Klaus, Christian wasnt there. We discussed a new BID porject that they are applying for which could be a funding opportunity for us, (Ill keep you informed), but he also showed me that they are making an effort to promote Cabo de Hornos. They have made three advertsisements in the spanish edition of National Geographic, they are making TV and Radio announcements. So good. But then Navarino is closed AGAIN for tourism! I could go on about this, but it just makes you wonder about how serious the governing entities are about coordinating their efforts, tourism development and even participation. Oficial discourse always sounds good, but actions like these are real bombs which will effect local tourism development profoundly, but also the local community which uses this crossing for reasons as varied as going on holiday, or even a medical check up. The ACT seems to be taking action and from Punta Arenas Alejandras has promised to create a scandal. Lets see what happens.

In the mean time, i am in Punta Arenas and i want to follow up on the contacts that the BMF group made here, and obvioulsy continue the search for funding. Alejandra is Puerto Natales is fine, and has found a job in Torres del Paine with CONAF.