She is the chosen one. And she maintains her preferred place. Bariloche continues to be the favorite city of tourists, after having snatched the historical leadership from the City of Buenos Aires, leaving Iguazú in third place, followed by Mendoza and El Calafate. More than 6.2 million people entered the country until mid-November, generating more than US$4 billion, a historic figure for the sector.
Little by little, the sector recovered after being one of the hardest hit by the COVID health crisis. According to the Hotel Gastronomic Business Federation (FEHGRA), since the beginning of the pandemic and until the end of May 2021, 13,100 hotel and restaurant companies had gone bankrupt throughout the country. The panorama was reversed and, according to UNWTO data, Argentina ranks second among nations in recovery of international tourists compared to 2019, 98%.
On the rise. In this list, the Middle East has the first place with 120% recovery; In third place is Africa, with 92%; then Europe, with 91%; America in general, with 87%, and Asia, with 61%; with a world average of 84%.
Pablo Aperiodirector of Travel Services, emphasizes that “Argentina began to receive a flow of foreign tourists who arrived attracted by a very favorable exchange rate and willing to visit the variety of destinations that the country offers.” From his vision, the improvement in tourism comes not only from abroad, but also from the number of Argentines traveling within the country since the end of the pandemic. “It is important to mention the impact that it had the Previaje program that mobilized many Argentines to discover destinations in their country, to extend their stays and plan more trips”details.
Nicolas Possecountry manager Argentina Civitatis coincides with the diagnosis: “the increase in tourism, especially from neighboring countries, boosted a flow of visits throughout the year, breaking seasonality.” The executive indicates that international air routes that had been interrupted during the pandemic quickly recovered and Greater connectivity with the world was gained. “The majority of foreign tourists who booked our activities in Argentina were from Brazil, Spain, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and the United States,” holds.
Uruguay was the country that contributed the most tourists, followed by Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, the United States, Bolivia, Peru, Spain, Colombia and France. TOIn this regard, it is worth highlighting the case of Uruguay, which recovered and grew 186% above the pre-pandemic, while the number of 1.35 million Uruguayans who arrived in the country this year was the record since 2010. Meanwhile, the United States United States increased by 115% with 441 thousand tourists; Chile, +113%; Mexico, +102% and Brazil obtained the best historical record by land.
The study “Updating the Boarding Pass“from the consultant another highlights how Tourism in Latin America evolved to be more accessible and in line with a digital lifestyle. “Factors such as access to real-time information, alternative accommodations, more affordable transportation options and a change in tourists’ preferences towards experiences about material possessions, have democratized tourism in the region,” he adds.
In 2022, 86.3% of tourism in Latin America was domesticdriven by low-cost destinations, unique natural and cultural beauties. These regional trips translate into spending 84% on leisure and the remaining 16% on work.indicates the survey.
“After a forced break, people are willing to invest in travel experiences that transcend the usual, especially those that satisfy their current aspirations as travelers, driving the desire to discover and plan around entertainment, culture, fun, emotional healing and unforgettable adventures”, indicates Mariana Carreondirector of Cultural Research and Strategy another.
For export. But, just as foreigners chose different destinations in Argentina to make their trips, local tourists were also protagonists on the global stage. Aperio points out that “Miami ends up consolidating itself as the leading destination after a good start to the year for Rio de Janeiro and Buzios, coinciding with the summer that, and that end up relegated in third place mainly due to the effect of Messi, who after his arrival to the MLS now It is responsible for new route layouts for those who try to watch a star’s game before returning home. Caribbean destinations such as Cancun, Punta Cana and Cuba finish second. And completing the top 5, Madrid, which had a good year, and Rome, which is once again among the favorites.”
By 2024, “We have very good projections, but we know that there will be a strong impact of economic measures in the first months for local tourists and then we will see a recovery in activity. The foreign visitor will have a competitive advantage and that can favor the growth of Argentina as one of “the world’s favorite destinations”, concludes Posse. From the hand of locals and others, tourism continues to be a driving force of the economy. And enjoy his return with glory.
by Marcelo Alfano
