2021 Easter Island tourism referendum

A referendum on reopening for tourism was held in Easter Island on 24 October 2021. Despite the importance of tourism to the island's economy, the proposal was rejected by 66% of voters. Voter turnout was around 20%.[1]

2021 Easter Island tourism referendum
24 October 2021
Do you agree with the opening of the island in February 2022?
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Yes 2,924 70.25%
No 1,238 29.75%
Valid votes 4,162 99.71%
Invalid or blank votes 12 0.29%
Total votes 4,174 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 4,174 100%

Background

The island was closed to visitors from 16 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the closure, there were only eight cases of COVID recorded (and no deaths), with the last case in September 2020.[1]

In October 2021 Ma'u Henu (the organisation responsible for running the island's parks) organised a referendum amongst the indigenous population on whether the island should reopen to tourists in January 2022.[2] Although the vote was consultative, the island authorities stated that they would respect the result.[2]

Results
Do you want to open the island to tourists in January?
ChoiceVotes%
For32033.02
Against64966.98
Total969100.00
Valid votes96999.69
Invalid/blank votes30.31
Total votes972100.00
Source: Direct Democracy

References
  1. Remote Easter Island votes against welcoming back tourists to prevent new Covid outbreak RFI
  2. Osterinsel (Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua), Chile, 24. Oktober 2021 : Neuöffnung für den Tourismus Direct Democracy
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