Science as a resource for the sustainable tourism development of the Patagonian Archipelagos

The article analyses the activation of the object "science" on the coast of southern Chile to create a destination for scientific tourism. A territorial resource is "revealed" through the selection and enhancement of scientific objects. A research centre acts as an articulator of the tourism development project and transforms "generic" resources to "specific" ones. New heritage milestones are created around cultural geographical areas and relevant themes for scientists and local actors. New social links and collective dynamics allow the creation and insertion of an emerging tourist destination in the national and international scenario. Giving value to resources for the creation of a sustainable destination is carried out in 5 theoretical stages; selection, justification, conservation, exposure and valorisation. In practice, it requires the formation of a network of actors to clarify the nature of the destination and the marketing of four possible scientific tourism products: scientific and sports explorations, eco-volunteering or cultural trips with scientific content. In this manner the Patagonian Archipelagos offers products based on scientific resources enhanced by local actors to create a sustainable destination.