Inbound tourism in 2013 is expected to register an increase of 2.8% over 2012 figures. The largest number of tourists came from South and Central America, Brazil and Chile, collectively accounted for 74.6% of total inbound tourist arrivals in 2012.
LONDON – Spending power increased within the Argentine market at a CAGR of 7.77% during 2008 – 2012 as the economy recovered from the global economic crisis. Tourism volumes will continue to grow at a CAGR of 4.19% over 2013 -2017, according to a Timetric report. With the recent government efforts, rich cultural and geographical attractions, a demand for medical tourism and the newly elected pope, Argentina will continue to be in the tourism spotlight.
Seaside campaigns drive healthy growth in tourism
Domestic tourist volumes in 2012 increased by 8.3% over 2011 figures, and total domestic tourist expenditure also grew by 11.8%. Key drivers of growth were the availability of extensive and low cost transport facilities, as well as the government’s efforts to promote domestic tourism. For example, to attract domestic tourists to the country’s coastal cities during the summer season, a new promotion campaign was launched in September 2012 which displayed a comparison between tourism facilities in Argentine seaside locations and similar options in Uruguay, Brazil and Chile.
Same sex marriages a new tourism driver
Inbound tourism in 2013 is expected to register an increase of 2.8% over 2012 figures. The largest number of tourists came from South and Central America, Brazil and Chile, collectively accounted for 74.6% of total inbound tourist arrivals in 2012. European countries accounted for the second-largest share of arrivals with 13.0%. The legalisation of same sex marriage has also helped to increase tourism, the number of couples visiting the country has increased, and is providing a new customer base for the tourism sector.
Healthcare and sports tourism are major growth contributors
Various sporting, political and cultural events are organised both in Argentina and its neighboring countries which attract a large number of leisure and business tourists. For example, Brazil’s hosting of the Football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, these types of events have a knock-on benefit on Argentine tourism.
Medical tourism, an increasingly popular field of tourism, registered a significant growth during 2008 – 2012, and is expected to continue to grow into 2017. The key growth driver for Argentine medical tourism will be the country’s strong medical infrastructure, which ensures the availability of low cost yet efficient medical services. The broad range of treatments available, the quality and affordability of lodging for family members and the spas, resorts and natural springs which make pleasant recovery environments will also encourage medical tourists to choose Argentina as their country of destination.
