The 2024-2025 summer season has begun with a notable increase in tourist arrivals to different destinations in the country. The statistics provided by the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) reveal that from December 20 to January 1, around 308,893 tourists entered. This number includes a notable increase in Argentines compared to the previous year.
Among the most notable figures, the Argentines They represent the largest group of tourists, with a total of 149,079 visitors. Still on the list are Uruguayans non-residents with 79,415, and brazilians with 37,443. This increase in entries generates interest in understanding the reasons behind this tourism phenomenon in the country.
Significant increase in Argentine visitors
Comparative data show that between December 20 and 31, 2024, 296,389 tourists were registered, which represents an increase of 2.3% compared to the same period in 2023, when 289,832 visitors were registered. However, the greatest variation comes from the group of Argentineswhich increased their income by 44.2% compared to the same previous period.
At the same time, the number of Uruguayans non-residents has decreased by 31.1%, and the income of brazilians fell 15.8%. These changes suggest a different dynamic in regional tourism that deserves attention.
Uruguay once again became an attractive destination for the Argentine public due to the increase in the price of Argentina’s domestic tourism market: in one year, summer vacation costs skyrocketed and, suddenly, Uruguay became more competitive again.
Preference for entry points
The DNM report also details the checkpoints through which tourists have entered the country. The leader in entries is Colognewith 66,238 tourists, followed by Fray Bentos (60,233) and Paysandu (52,804). The International Airport of Carrasco It has also seen a considerable number of arrivals, with 39,929 entries recorded.
Andrés Castellano, president of the Colonia Tourist Association, stated that these results mark a positive “trend” for the department. According to their statements, approximately 80% of hotel beds were occupied on the key days of the end of the year.
Impact on local tourist spending
Commenting on this influx, Castellano highlighted the positive effect on the local economy, since an increase in the consumption of services such as gastronomy and transport. This arrival of Argentines, brazilians and other tourists has positively impacted the economic activity of the region.
The Undersecretary of Tourism, Remo Monzeglio, highlighted that these data suggest that January will be a key month for the arrival of Argentines. He maintains that those who return to Argentina will promote the idea that Uruguay It is equally or cheaper, which could further increase the arrival of visitors from this neighboring country.
Tax considerations for tourists
The Undersecretary of Tourism also recalled that until April 30, 2025, non-resident tourists will have certain tax advantages in services such as VAT on car rentals and hotels.
These measures seek to further encourage the arrival of tourists, both foreign residents and Uruguayans living abroad. The initiative seeks to facilitate access to tourist services and increase the attractiveness of the destination for visitors from different countries.
In this way, fiscal policy is designed to improve Uruguay’s competitiveness compared to other destinations in the region and can be a determining factor for tourists’ decisions when considering their trips.
Growth of private flights
Monzeglio also reported an increase in private flights to Punta del Estehighlighting that in December 2024 770 were registered, a considerable number compared to the figures for 2023. In particular, of these flights, 350 arrived in the last week of December. This increase translated into the arrival of 3,000 tourists.
75% of these flights come from Argentinawhile 18% has its origin in Brazil. Additional growth is expected in the arrival of these tourists, being an indicator of the preference for exclusive destinations in the region.
Expectations about Brazilian tourism
Regarding the arrival of Brazilian touristsMarina Cantera, president of the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism (Camtur), considers that, despite the devaluation of the realit will have little impact in the first days of the year. Tourists who arrive during this period tend to have high purchasing power, which contributes to consumption in luxury places such as Punta del Este.
However, Cantera projects a possible effect in the following weeks, when interest in other tourist offers could increase. Still, Monzeglio’s comments suggest a continued positive response from the brazilian tourism despite changing exchange rate conditions.
