| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 07/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 39 |
| Copyright: Other |
Market update
Argentina looks to catch tourists’ imagination
ARGENTINA is a vast country with enormous potential for tourism but has suffered from underexposure.One of the most expensive places to visit in Latin America, it has a very short tourist season due to its climate and its size, which prohibits cheap internal flights.
But Argentina is gradually beginning to catch the public’s imagination and specialist Latin America operators believe its popularity is on the up. Patagonia, in the far south of the country, has already started to attract media attention due to its stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, and as a result operators have expanded their programmes to the region.
Journey Latin America has launched a series of adventure trips to Patagonia for this coming winter, when the region is at its best. A spokesman said: “Patagonia is trendy at the moment. People want to go into the wilderness.”
The whole of Argentina should gain greater exposure next year if the government carries out its plan to open a tourist office in the UK.
Latin American Travel Association chairman Edward Paine said the government was also planning a promotional campaign, which would be aimed at the UK and North American markets.
New upmarket operator Exsus said one of the advantages of Argentina over other parts of Latin America is that it’s a sophisticated destination.
“There is also a wide variety of product, from wine trails to ranch holidays,” said an Exsus spokeswoman.
Even working ranches, or estancias, offer quality accommodation with five-course dinners with wine, she said.
Clients typically spend 10-12 days in Argentina at an average cost of £2,700 including flights from the UK.
Argentina can seem expensive when compared with neighbouring countries, but Kuoni product manager Catherine Pearson said prices are falling.
“Hotels have cut rates due to the devaluation of the Brazilian currency,” she said.
Rising popularity: Buenos Aires