Argentine Tourism in Uruguay Drops 20 Percent in First Two Weeks of 2007

Uruguay’s Deputy Tourism Minister Lilian Kechiciahn revealed that in the first fortnight of 2007 the number of Argentine tourists traveling to Uruguay dipped 20 percent compared to a year ago, mainly because of the ongoing controversy over the construction of the Finnish Botnia-Orion pulp mill.

However, the Uruguayan official said she was “satisfied” with the tourist season so far this summer which has been compensated by the significant influx of tourists from outer region plus Brazilians and Chileans, who have increased 33 percent in number.

Talking about the specific case of Argentine tourists, Mrs. Kechichian insisted Uruguay is going through a “very special situation” since it’s not encouraging for whoever has to instrument a tourism policy to have the main access of tourists to Uruguay, the Gualeguaychu-Fray Bentos blocked by pickets.

But she also pointed out the fidelity of Argentine tourists towards Uruguay because in spite of a 20 percent decrease in numbers, “we received over 50.000 Argentine tourists during the first few days of 2007”.

Actually 80 percent of tourism in Uruguay comes from Argentina and the country’s authorities believe they can overcome the situation caused by the construction of Botnia’s pulp mill in Fray Bentos.