The tourism industry expects the 2025 summer season to have outpaced 2024, which saw 1.14 million visitors and USD 711 million in spending in the first quarter (Photo: Visit Uruguay)
The tourism industry in Uruguay in South America has enjoyed a robust summer season with a 10.45 pc increase in tourist spending compared to the previous year.
In a press statement, the country’s tourism industry association, Camtur, says that as many as 572,699 visitors entered the country in the season and popular destinations like Punta del Este, Piriápolis and Barra del Chuy saw high demand, sending accommodation prices soaring. Some reports say apartments in the exclusive Punta del Este fetched up to USD 20,000 per month. The surge was largely driven by Argentine tourists, compensating for a decline in Brazilian visitors. The Carrasco International Airport in Uruguayan capital Montevideo also hit a record with 206,000 passengers, says the ministry.
According to the statement, the tourism industry expects the 2025 summer season to have outpaced 2024, which saw 1.14 million visitors and USD 711 million in spending in the first quarter. It adds that resorts in the eastern part of the country attracted wealthier visitors, while Montevideo saw a drop in Brazilian tourists, says Marina Cantera, President, Chamber of Tourism (Camtur) of Uruguay.
Cantera says the season is “extremely positive,” and credits Argentina’s improved economy, favourable exchange rates, and hot weather for the boost.
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