Rocío González Olivier: “The first half of this year was more critical for tourism”

Argentina is expensive and there is a decrease in tourists in the country, both international and national. However, for Rocío González Olivier, General Manager of loi suitesa reactivation began driven by the tourism business and the imminent arrival of cruise ships.

González Olivier also spoke about temporary rentals, a recent project launched by the brand, which accompanies those tourists looking for apartments but with hotel services.

Journalist: How is tourism in Argentina today? Do you feel the lack of foreigners?

González Olivier: We by having hotels In Buenos Aires, San Martin de los Andes and Iguazú we have different types of markets for each destination and they are very dynamic. So when it is the high season for Buenos Aires it is the low season for San Martin de los Andes and vice versa with Iguazú, so it is not so linear.

The first half of this year was more critical for what was the tourismbecause the dollar had doubled and we had to get used to another type of dollar that was closest to the real. And it coincides with the fact that in the second semester the corporate market is already reactivated, business events are reactivated and the international market begins to register.

The trips that are scheduled are being sold in advance. Then came what had been sold a year before. For the three hotels we saw a positive second half more than the first, where the slowdown was seen.

In Iguazú we have a lot tourism national, international and incentive. Companies make trips, present products, train. In the first half of the year, companies restricted themselves a little and then began to adjust.

In general, I think that the second semester gave us the balance we needed to say that we are closing despite an entire positive year.

Q: What type of tourist does each of the hotels attract?

GO: The one in San Martin de los Andes, like the one in Iguazú, has a lot of corporate and incentive traction, although a little smaller due to the size of the hotel. When there are regional conventions, Iguazú is ideal due to the size and layout of the hotel. And in Recoleta, in Buenos Aires, we have a lot tourism international due to its location. We have a lot of events but more social.

Q:-What are the other business units you have like?

GO: One of them is a new brand that recently landed. It is Loi Flats by Loi Suites hotels that is a concept of a dynamic and flexible brand, which began as temporary rental apartments in Neuquén capital, based on corporate tourists who need long stays.

This year, what was Loi Suites Esmeralda, we transformed it into Loi Suites Buenos Aires, which are apartments with service. hotel.

Q: Is it possible to buy a branded hotel room or apartment?

GO: We do not have it integrated, what Loi Flats has is that the majority are departments of other people who leave the management to us. We make a two or three year agreement and we manage it. The owners receive a monthly income.

Q: And how much does it cost to rent an apartment?

GO: You have daily and monthly rates, depending on how it is. In Buenos Aires rates start at US$85 per night and in Neuquén at US$75. And the monthly ones are a little cheaper.

Q: What expectations do you have for the summer?

In San Martin de los Andes, January is very good. In February we see a drop, a little calmer than other years. It somewhat coincides with the fact that Carnival is in March next year, so the dynamic changes a little.

In Iguazú we are going to end the year very well, with Argentine and international audiences. You have to understand that January and February are the disembarkation of cruise ships and it is the high season for pre- and post-tours in our hotels. Many spend two nights in Iguazú, two in San Martin, they vary. However, this year we see a strong decline in national tourists.