Argentina's winter tourism boom spotlights Salto Grande and Santa Cruz

The Salto Grande thermal corridor in Entre Ríos province recorded a strong influx of visitors during the July 2026 winter holidays. Tourists came from across Argentina—most notably Buenos Aires (56.5% of arrivals), Córdoba, Santa Fe and Misiones—as well as from Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, China, Switzerland, Spain and South Africa. Although total revenue fell slightly from the previous season (48.9% of 2026 revenue versus 51.1% in 2025), the destination maintained high occupancy thanks to coordinated infrastructure, service improvements and promotion. Secretary‑General of the Gobernación, Mauricio Colello, emphasized that “tourism is a strategic activity for the development of Entre Ríos because it generates jobs and income.”

In Santa Cruz, the Winter Swimming World Cup 2026 was held in El Calafate’s Bay of Ice, drawing more than 300 swimmers from 15 countries to compete in 2 °C waters near the Perito Moreno glacier. Minister of Production, Nadia Ricci highlighted the event’s economic impact on hotels and restaurants and reiterated the province’s ambition to host the 2028 Cold‑Water Swimming World Championships, stating “it is of great importance to prepare to be the world‑cup host.” The competition showcased public‑private coordination among national parks, tourism authorities and local businesses, providing a seasonal boost to an area that typically faces low occupancy.