The resolution 42/2024 published in the Official Gazette adds that for those vessels exceeding 70,000 TRN, the excess will be credited if it is greater than the base discount provided in the preceding article on the maximum of 70,000 TRN. In addition, a Additional 5% on the total of the original discount for all those that exceed 30,000 TRN and have TEN (10) or more calls within the same season.
Discounts on international cruise tolls: what is the goal?
According to the document, it is stated that international tourism “It represents an income of foreign currency to the country” where the different Directorates were asked to evaluate the operational, economic, legal and commercial aspects of the requirement formulated by the Secretariat of Tourism, Environment and Sports.
In turn, the Planning and Management Control Directorate carried out an analysis of three alternatives that could constitute a tool to encourage the arrival of larger vessels (over 30,000 TRN and increasing from 70,000 TRN) thus achieving a greater influx of passengers.
Of all the scenarios raised in the different technical reports, it has been deemed appropriate to carry out the measure that represents a balance between the decrease in income and the positive effect which seeks to generate the incentive provided to the sector, then applying a TWENTY PERCENT (20%) discount in the billing of the toll for the use of the Trunk Navigable Waterway (VNT) for International Tourism Cruise Ships arriving at the PORT OF BUENOS AIRES during the 2024-2025 season, between 30,000 and 70,000 TRN; while for ships exceeding 70,000 TRN, the surplus will be discounted if it is greater than the base discount.
Finally, it is clarified that in previous periods this State Company has shown a strong commitment to the promotion of International Tourism Cruise Ship Industry, through bonuses granted for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.
Bad year for tourism: why different mechanisms are being sought to encourage the entry of foreigners
Tourism is a key contribution to Argentina, as it is the fourth largest source of income for the public coffers. In 2023, the sector generated around US$5.5 billion, one of the best performances of the last decade. However, so far this year, the rise in the exchange rate discouraged the arrival of foreign tourists and at the same time made it more difficult for local tourists to move around, with lower incomes due to the devaluation.
According to Indec, The travel deficit was US$710 million for the first quarter of 2024: that is, there were US$539 million less than that recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Although the fall was smaller than in the first quarter of 2023 (when the balance was negative by US$1,249), in April and May the trend deepened compared to the decline in foreign visitors.
Source: Ambito
