Atlantic Coast tourism leaders warn of economic crisis

Tourism representatives and mayors from Argentina’s Atlantic Coast have expressed deep concern before the Chamber of Deputies regarding the economic viability of the sector. They cited a significant drop in consumer spending, rising costs, and a lack of investment as primary threats to the upcoming summer seasons.

Hernán Szkrohal, president of the Hotel and Gastronomy Business Association of Mar del Plata, warned that high costs combined with falling consumption are endangering small, family-owned businesses. He also highlighted the growing challenge of informal competition, such as unregistered accommodations and dark kitchens, which operate outside the formal tax system.

Mayors from Villa Gesell, General Alvarado, and Mar Chiquita emphasized that the local economy is inextricably linked to tourism. They called for better coordination with the National Secretariat of Tourism, tax relief, and new financing tools to prevent further closures of hotels and restaurants and to protect local employment.