Establishments that offer activities related to wine generate about 11 million dollars a year for Uruguay.
Tourism related to wine or wine tourism, one of the sectors in which it bets Uruguay To attract more visitors, it generates about 11 million dollars for the country, according to a study carried out by Consultants Option at the request of National Institute of Viticulture (Inavi).
The economic impact of wine tourism in Uruguay It is an issue in which the government has particular interest, as it seeks to promote this tourist activity as one of the natural potentials that the country has to offer both foreign and local visitors. Therefore, at the request of Inavi, the consulting firm Opción analyzed this issue, as well as the challenges, threats and opportunities.
The source of information was the owners or managers of the national wine tourism establishments, 49 wineries and vineyards distributed among Colonia, Canelones, Montevideo, Maldonado, San José, Rivera, Paysandú, Artigas and Leap —where the first four departments are the ones with the greatest participation in the sector.
What did the study on wine tourism point out?
The greater tourist offer What these establishments offer is the store or sale of wines (97%), and the tasting tours and visits to both the wineries and the vineyards (93%). Likewise, they also hold festivals in their establishment (70%), hold special events (60%) and offer restaurant service (50%).
On the other hand, in these establishments, the wine sales are the main source of income (40%). Next in importance are tastings and visits (29%) and restaurant service (15%) – although if the spaces that have this gastronomic service are considered, the figure rises to 39%.
Meanwhile, special events represent 14% of billing; and lastly, festivals and accommodation (3% and 2%, respectively). Although lodging income represents only 2% of the total, if only those that offer this service are considered, the percentage rises to 23%.
The Opción Consultores study also revealed that the main visitors to these establishments are mostly Brazilians (39%), followed by the Uruguayans (37%) and Argentines (10%), with an average expense per visit of about $76.
According to what was surveyed, “a improvement in the wine tourism sector in Uruguaysince it is visualized as a sector with potential” which has proven to be profitable. In this sense, the five-year perspectives of the actors in the sector are positive with 87% responding that the economic situation of their establishment will be better.
Source: Ambito
