The Government of Rio Grande do Norte, in collaboration with Natal International Airport, welcomed executives from the Chilean airline Sky Airline this Wednesday (11) for a technical visit. The company operates international routes to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay and is evaluating new opportunities in the region.

The Sky Airline delegation was received by Governor Fátima Bezerra and will follow an intense agenda in the state over three days. “We will showcase our economic potential and our incredible beauty. We will demonstrate why we are a Rio Grande of possibilities. We plan, invest, and are constantly seeking partnerships, proving that our state is an excellent destination for leisure and business,” emphasized the governor.

The Chilean market is the second-largest source of Latin American tourists to Rio Grande do Norte, and the demand for a direct flight between the state and Chile is a long-standing request among the tourism sector and consumers, according to our associated media outlet in Brazil, AEROIN.

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“This visit is the result of long negotiations. Air connectivity is essential for strengthening tourism and promoting our state in the markets. It represents a great opportunity to increase the flow of foreign visitors, boost the local economy, and position RN as a competitive destination in South America,” explained Raoni Fernandes, CEO of the Empresa Potiguar de Promoción Turística (Emprotur).

Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brasil, also highlighted the potential of the collaboration: “Sky is already a great ally of Zurich Airport Brasil, with operations in Florianópolis. Looking toward Natal is a natural step, considering the opportunity for developing a market that already shows significant demand.”

Rio Grande do Norte received nearly 90,000 international tourists in 2024, according to data from the ForwardKeys platform, reflecting the recovery and expansion of the sector. Argentina leads as the primary source of foreign visitors to the state.

Tourism accounts for 8.5% of the state’s GDP, generating employment for more than 67,000 people in areas such as lodging, food services, tours, and transportation. The sector comprises 21,000 companies and 12,000 Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs), underscoring its relevance to the local economy.