From the Chamber of Tourism of Salta and the mayor of Humahuaca, in Jujuy, they recognize that the first data “are not what was expected.”
The uncertainty about the behavior of tourist activity in the north of the country with which 2024 closed was no longer such because the first data indicate that the start of the 2025 summer season is not what was expected. The Salta Chamber of Tourism estimates that there are 30% fewer national tourists, while in Humahuaca they admit that the number of visitors dropped. The governor of Salta Gustavo Saenz He summoned representatives from the private hotel and gastronomy industry to analyze the new scenario, characterized by the fact that the exchange rate favors Argentines to choose Brazil as their destination for rest.
Gustavo Di Mecola, pro-secretary of the Salta Chamber of Tourism, assured that there are 30% fewer national visitors and 20% fewer foreigners in the province, at the start of the 2025 season.and that this responds to the economic crisis and the choice of Argentine tourists to choose cheaper international destinations, such as Brazil and Chile. “We are experiencing a tough situation, we are not going to deny it. This summer, the majority of Argentines chose to travel abroad. Although Salta and the NOA are not expensive compared to other regions of Argentina, competing with destinations like Brazil or the Caribbean It’s difficult because of the difference in costs,” he said during an interview on FM Profesional from Salta.
For the also owner of the company Uma Travelm, “it is crucial to strengthen connectivity because we need direct flights from Curitiba, Santa Cruz and other international destinations. And it would also be ideal to add connections to Europe or Punta Cana to facilitate both inbound and outbound tourism. “he added. The businessman emphasized that Salta is one step ahead in the NOA, in relation to other provinces, in terms of services for tourist activity but that it cannot be fully exploited due to the deficit in connectivity.
From the neighboring province of Jujuy, Karina Paniagua, mayor of Humahuaca, one of the most chosen destinations in the summer by young people, acknowledged that there was a reduction in visitors. “We understand that tourism visits to Humahuaca have decreased, that is why we appeal to internal tourism and make agreements with service providers, such as restaurants and hotels, to regulate rates,” said the official, who admitted that she still does not have an exact figure. the market “The situation is difficult,” he acknowledged.
Paniagua emphasized that his administration is going through “a significant economic deficit,” with resources that are barely enough to cover the salaries of municipal employees. “Despite these limitations, seasonal ordinances are being implemented to regulate taxes and allocate revenues to essential works,” he noted.
Situation table
Faced with the complex scenario, the governor of Salta Gustavo Sáenz met this Wednesday with sectors of hotel tourism and gastronomy. At the situation table, the state of the sector was analyzed, highlighting the visit of thousands of Argentines to the coasts of Brazil due to its low costs and proximity, especially for those who live in the north of the country, to the detriment of local offer. The meeting was at the Government House of Grand Bourg, where the provincial leader was accompanied by Manuela Arancibiathe provincial Minister of Tourism.
“The first numbers are not what we expected,” he said. Scope a close collaborator of one of the businessmen who participated in the meeting with Sáenz. At the conclave, each sector was able to express its opinion, make its proposals and agreed that the exchange rate, of “dollar stepped on by the Government”, It is the main reason for the migration of Argentines to the coasts of Brazil. “Everything indicates that the situation of the United States ticket will not change, so the scenario will tend to get complicated. It would not be a good season, so we will settle for not losing,” this hotelier concluded.
After the meeting, Sáenz said on the social network “Tourism is an engine of development. We are going for more growth, quality work and opportunities for all Salteños,” he stated.
Source: Ambito
