Shorter stays and cost cuts, seems to be the x-ray of tourism in the main tourist destinations of the country. The lower consumption, they say, is reflected both in drops in sales in supermarkets or warehouses, as well as in gastronomic establishments.
The impact is greater in destinations traditionally considered for the middle class. In this regard, the Buenos Aires governor himself Axel Kicillof pointed out days ago: “We are in a heterogeneous season in which all popular tourism indicators have worsened”.
“Although in some destinations the tourist influx is maintained compared to last year, Occupancy, expense levels and lengthened stays have fallen sharply“said Kicillof from the Atlantic Coast, where according to the vision of the provincial government it collapsed”consumption in shops and gastronomy and accommodation in one, two and three star hotels”.
Fall in consumption impacts tourist places
In this context of shorter stays, the official data available to date shows the rebound in the level of visits that was registered in Mar del Plata during the third weekend of January. According to industry data, the occupancy level reached 90%, which represented an increase of 20% compared to the first weeks of the month.
In any case, those who visit both La Feliz and the main tourist destinations in the country generally bet on a “gas tourism”. “Consumption is limited. People take great care of themselves. “It is something that is observed in different areas, including gastronomy,” summarized Ámbito Jesus Osornopresident of the Hotel and Gastronomic Business Association (AEGH) of Mar del Plata.
But lower demand is also reflected in mass consumption. In this regard, as pointed out Victor Palpacellipresident of the Argentine Federation of Supermarkets, “In tourist areas the contraction in consumption is even more acute” with respect to the rest of the country.
“There are tourist places where the supermarket is selling up to 15% less than last year’s season.. That is a very important contraction that is being felt in tourist centers throughout the country,” noted Palpacelli, who explained that at a general level a drop in sales of between 5 and 6% year-on-year is estimated.
In the same line, Fernando Savorevice president of the Federation of grocers of the province of Buenos Aires (FABA), said in this regard: “MMany merchants say that tourists who go for a weekend, in some cases even carry provisions from their homes.. People are very gassy, they don’t buy as much because they can’t.”
The Government’s measure to sustain consumption
Beyond the seasonal situation, according to the first private surveys during January, the contractionary trend would be sustained in the consumption. Something that according to different sector surveys began to become evident in December.
To alleviate this retraction, last week the Government officially launched the initiative “Simple Fee“, the consumption stimulus plan that will succeed Now 12 starting next February 1st and which will extend its first phase until May 31, 2024.
This scheme will have financing in 3 and 6 installments, with a rate equivalent to 85% of that used as a reference for fixed terms by the Central Bank (BCRA). The measure comes in the midst of persistent inflation and adjustments in regulated prices, which is why the Government’s installment program has the fundamental objective of boosting the consumption of goods and services.
This initiative was celebrated by the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC). Its owner Mario Grinman He noted that he considered “positive the launch of the program“, since it is “welcome to establish a program with financing facilities that encourages the consumption of goods and services.”
“In the current difficult situation – a product of numerous imbalances that the Argentine economy has had for a long time and that have worsened in recent years – programs that support activity and employment are especially valuable, which is why from our entity we celebrate the measure,” Grinman stressed.
Source: Ambito
