While uncertainty continues to reign over the future of the country until the ballot takes place on November 19, Argentines are already planning their future. With less than two months until the summer season begins, everyone began to do the math to calculate what the vacation that their pockets will be able to afford. In this context, the difficult economic situation and the high value of the dollar mean that foreign destinations are left aside and, in contrast, national tourist spots emerge as the most likely option.
Thus, although in the country’s main tourist spots some increases far exceed 100 percent compared to last year’s prices and although some rates are even dollarized, expectations for the season are high. Given the impossibility of searching for destinations abroad for exclusive prices, Argentines will vacation in the country.
Pesos and dollars
“Despite the difficult economic situation we are experiencing, the high rates of inflation and the offers that are being made visible in dollars in many locations, and after carrying out a detailed study and talking with enrollees, we advise that the offer of the properties and the agreed prices be in pesos,” explained Guillermo Rossi, president of the College of Auctioneers. from Mar del Plata, the summer tourist spot par excellence in the country. “We are not price makers since the values are set by supply and demand, and taking into account the inflationary context, they will more than likely change day by day,” added Rossi.
However, a simple search on real estate sites or even pages like Mercado Libre shows that owners seek to make an economic difference with their properties and many prices are listed in dollars. Furthermore, even though the official position is to use the national currency, Inflation caused prices to skyrocket.
As explained to NOTICIAS, rents in “La Feliz” rose an average of 150 percent compared to the previous season and that percentage is what the Auctioneers’ Association advises as a recommended increase. For example, the rental of A one-bedroom apartment for a week will cost approximately 100 thousand pesos, at a rate of almost 15 thousand pesos per day.
Thus, between skyrocketing prices and other listings in dollars, the truth is that for the moment the inquiries exist, but the reservations are few, since vacationers are also waiting for the ballot to find out how the national economy continues.
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In Pinamar, the situation is repeated. “There are two variables: either the prices are in dollars or there is no price,” said the mayor of the town, Martín Yeza, for whom “nobody normal at this time in Argentina would close an agreement in pesos and have them pay you in December. with a price freeze”, which is why the number of closed reservations is very low for this time of year.
The price increase will not stop only at accommodation. From beach tents to restaurants, all sectors will see their rates increased more than double compared to last season. The Business Chamber of Spas, Restaurants and Related Services (CEBRA) reported that “they still cannot provide closed values until after the presidential elections,” making clear the confusion that reigns in the sector.
The first surveys, however, show that on the beaches of the most exclusive areas of Mar del Plata the rental of a tent for the entire season will be around 1.5 million pesos. YesIf you want to rent for just one week in January, the market price is close to 400 thousand pesos. In Pinamar and the Partido de la Costa the prices are higher and, in some resorts, the fortnight exceeds one million pesos.
Despite the skyrocketing prices, the Atlantic Coast is expected to have a very good season. “Expectations are good. We are satisfied, we know that the exchange situation favors us and positions us very well with respect to other destinations abroad,” explained Esteban Ramos, member of CEBRA. And he highlighted what he believes is the comparative advantage with other destinations abroad: “Our rates are in pesos. To travel abroad, tourists do not know how much they will have to pay for breakfast or lunch and that is an advantage.”
Variants
The summer season in Argentina is not only experienced on the Atlantic Coast. Other destinations such as Patagonia or Córdoba are also preparing. In the Mediterranean province it was decided to apply the increases after the long weekend in mid-October. After a previous season in which hotel occupancy exceeded 90 percent during JanuaryBy 2024, the average price of a double room with breakfast included is expected to exceed 80 thousand pesos in Carlos Paz.
In Bariloche, the rental supply is very low. “It is very difficult to set a rate for the coming months,” said the president of the city’s Chamber of Tourism, Ezequiel Barberis. For Mayor Gustavo Gennuso, “this always happens in electoral years when they are complex. There is a reluctance to take services for the summer seasons until we know what is happening.”
Thus, while vacationers remain disconcerted, tourist destinations predict a good season despite the marked increases. After all, any rate will be less than what a tourist has to pay abroad.
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