Argentina's winter tourism faces low bookings and new promotion drives

Hotel occupancy in Mar del Plata has slipped to about 25% ahead of the July school break, sparking concern among hoteliers and workers who cite reduced visitor numbers, shorter stays and weaker consumer spending. The city’s tourism secretary, Pablo Santín, warned that “it is difficult to be optimistic with the level of reservations we have today.”

In Santa Fe, the provincial tourism department launched the “Vacaciones Copadas” programme, offering more than 150 free cultural, sports and gastronomic activities across 19 districts between 4 and 19 July, while the municipal government scheduled free events at 18 local stations from 6 to 17 July.

Buenos Ayres faces operational problems at its main airports, with a surge in flight delays and cancellations after a new radar‑visualisation system was deployed, adding pressure to an already weak 25% reservation level for the holiday period.

Conversely, Neuquén reports a 27.6% rise in winter visitor numbers compared with the previous year, highlighting the economic importance of snow tourism for local employment and community development.

Across the country, tourism operators are offering discounts, early‑payment incentives and added services such as kayak tours or group bonuses to stimulate demand during the winter recess.