Joining the travel industry’s most anticipated event, Travel DAZE, was an eclectic group of South American travel experts for an amazing panel that re-opened Aussies eyes to our friends across the Pacific.

Led by Travel Weekly’s editor at large Nancy Hromin, the panel comprised the ambassador of Peru, His Excellency Mr. Vitaliano GALLARDO VALENCIA, the ambassador of Uruguay, Her Excellency Mrs Dianela Pi, the trade commissioner of Peru, Mario Vargas, and LATAM’s high flying head honcho for Australia, Christopher Ellis.

The panel began with Ellis discussing what Aussies can expect as they begin to fly back to South America. Ellis told the audience that direct flights from Australia to South America were underway and the airline had big plans to expand these routes as the world moved into the endemic phase.

He also discussed the amazing scenery, people, cuisine, and culture that Aussies can find in South America. LATAM’s head honcho went on to tell the audience about his personal connection to South America.

The audience was then joined via a video from the deputy of tourism in Uruguay, Remo Monzeglio Bentancor, who also spoke of travels return coming out of the pandemic.

Her Excellency Mrs Daniela Pi then spoke to the Travel DAZE audience and gave three main reasons why Aussies should venture to Uruguay.

“The first one is the diversity of our offer… the second element is what I explain to our investors; Uruguay is a reliable country and it’s a safe country,” she said.

“The third element is that I can assure you that you are not going to miss the best quality (food) product that Australia has to offer because we have a similar enormous offer.”

She even drew parallels between Australia and Uruguay’s mutual love of meat and beer which worked wonders on the audience.

Then the panel pivoted focus to Peru, where the Aussie audience was enticed a discussion of the incredible food.

His Excellency Mr Vitaliano Gallardo Valencia discussed the relationship between Uruguay and Peru and sold the audience on why Peru is a holiday destination that keeps on giving. He discussed Peru’s multiculturalism and ways to explore the country.

Hromin continued the panel by jokingly asking Vargas where you can find the best pisco sour in South America.

Peru’s trade commissioner went on to discuss the incredible culinary opportunities all around Peru and how Aussies could make the most of it.

Finally, Hromin asked her excellency Mrs Daniela Pi what she thought was Uruguay’s best-hidden gem was, to which she replied that Uruguay, as a smaller country that’s hidden between bigger countries, is a hidden gem itself.

If you missed this year’s Travel DAZE, then keep an eye out for next year’s event for plenty of fantastic speakers.