South America continues to be a popular tourist destination with a wide range of attractions from the beaches and carnival of Rio de Janiero through the massive Iguassu Falls and the steamy Amazon jungles to the ski slopes of the Andes. And then, of course, there's Machu Pichu and the Inca Trail in Peru, scenic and historic wonders of the world.
Airlines connect South America with the other continents, while there is also an efficient network across the continent. South America's tourist infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Accommodation in most countries ranges from luxury hotel resorts to quaintly primitive establishments in the rural areas. South America is not noted for the range of cuisine found on other continents, but if you like your steaks big and juicy, well....
With the active support of local governments, a range of tourism development projects are underway throughout the region.
According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), during 2003 the Americas recorded a 1% decrease in international tourism arrivals, with North America the only sub-region to record a loss (-5%) for the third year in a row, mainly due to the weak economy and continuing concerns about security after 11 September. The Caribbean (+8%) and South America (+12%) rebounded strongly from the declines of the previous two years.
