Corporate Tourism: The commitment of Hotel Puerta del Sur with unique experiences in the heart of Valdivia
Nature, technology, and personalized hospitality are the pillars of the new era of the iconic Valdivian hotel, which today seeks to establish itself as a reference in business tourism in southern Chile.
Chile boasts unique natural environments, positioning it as an attractive tourist destination internationally. With this, the industry related to this activity seeks to establish itself as one of the driving forces of the economy. One of the aspects that is increasingly important is corporate tourism, which accounted for 24.6% of all foreign visitors before the pandemic in 2019, generating income of 422 million dollars for the country, according to data from Sernatur.
The private sector plays a key role in the growth of this specific industry, with attractive and differentiating proposals for those who choose Chile as a setting to think, conceive and close new businesses. One of these bets is at the heart of one of the most beautiful places in the south of the country.
Located on the banks of the Río Cruces, immersed in Valdivian nature and less than half an hour from the airport, the Hotel Puerta del Sur seeks to stand out as a benchmark in the region. With a history of 30 years, in this new era, its purpose is to protect and showcase the natural wealth of southern Chile to the world, with special emphasis on the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest.
For this purpose, they seek to become a strategic destination for corporate tourism, where nature combines with high-standard infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and boutique service.
"Companies are no longer looking for just meeting rooms: they seek inspiration, connection, and purpose. And that's precisely what we offer: a unique natural environment, with spaces where the warmth and hospitality of southern Chile is experienced, but with all the necessary equipment for high-level meetings," says Claudio Perek, Executive Director of the hotel.
Renovated rooms and custom experiences.
South Gate offers renovated, versatile spaces surrounded by nature, ideal for all types of corporate gatherings. From halls for executive meetings or larger-scale conventions, to unique environments such as its triple-height hall, the bar with views of the wetland, and the new hall and terrace of the Botanica restaurant, where local gastronomy and the landscape combine to create memorable experiences. With modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and the warmth that characterizes southern Chilean hospitality, South Gate adapts to the needs of each event, offering tailored solutions for companies looking to make a difference.
Furthermore, Puerta del Sur offers customized corporate programs, tailor-made for each client. From outdoor activities such as kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or bird watching in the wetland, to yoga sessions or private dinners in their new restaurant, Botánica u2014set to open in Mayu2014, the focus is on creating meaningful events that align with the values of each organization.

A new hub for business tourism.
With 39 rooms and a team focused on hospitality, Hotel Puerta del Sur is positioned as a strategic hub for corporate tourism in the south of the country. "We want Valdivia to become a gateway to the south of Chile for companies seeking innovation, connection, and purpose in their meetings", the management team claims.
This is how, last March, Puerta del Sur was the epicenter of the national convention of WWF Chile, which gathered its teams in Valdivia for five days. In the upcoming months, the hotel will continue to consolidate itself as a venue for major meetings, hosting regional and international events such as the Torrencial trail running race, which for the third consecutive year chooses Puerta del Sur as its official hotel; the "Rain and Wool" crafts and design meet, which will be held on July 19 and 20; in addition to various activities organized by governmental agencies throughout the year.
"We want people not just to come to work, but to enjoy what it means to work while looking at nature. It is not the same to be in a conference in a closed room, as it is to be in front of a window with a privileged view of the Río Cruces Wetland and the forests that surround us, so that nature can inspire them," Perek said.
Connected Infrastructure and Commitment to Sustainability.
In its new stage, Puerta del Sur uniquely combines nature and technology. Under the leadership of Claudio Perek, with over 20 years of experience in technological innovation, the hotel has driven a robust digital transformation: in just one year, it implemented tools such as SiteMinder (Channel Manager and Reservation Engine), Oracle's OPERA Cloud PMS for hotel management, HubSpot for corporate sales, and Duetto as RMS with artificial intelligence for optimizing revenue. Added to this are high-efficiency backup systems, a new automated electricity generation system, and guaranteed connectivity through Starlink, thus ensuring fluid and resilient operation. This robust infrastructure provides peace of mind to event organizers and attendees, guaranteeing the continuity of their meetings and celebrations even in the face of external contingencies, such as power outages or weather emergencies.

Sustainability is also a central pillar of the model. Puerta del Sur has eliminated single-use plastics, implemented a comprehensive recycling system in partnership with Circula Sustentable, optimized the use of water resources by using well water for irrigation, and automated energy consumption monitoring to maximize efficiency. In addition, it has reforested its 10-hectare park with native species, strengthening local biodiversity and creating a suitable habitat for birds and pollinators. A genuine commitment that connects innovation, efficiency, and respect for the natural environment.
True to its purpose of protecting and showcasing the natural wealth of southern Chile, Puerta del Sur invites you to live encounters that connect people with nature, inspire new ideas, and transform each event into a truly memorable experience. In this way, southern Chile becomes not only a destination for business but also a stage for creating profound and lasting connections.
