Salto, Uruguay, targets tourism growth through digital innovation

The department of Salto, Uruguay, is implementing new strategies to address structural weaknesses in its tourism sector. Eduardo Sanguinetti, director of the newly formed Tourism Directorate, noted that current tourist spending in the region is only half of the national average. He identified several challenges, including a lack of professional training in the private sector, poor air connectivity, and a lack of digital reservation and information channels.

To combat these issues, local authorities are focusing on innovation and diversification. Pablo Da Cunda, from the Area of Innovation and Development, presented proposals to integrate artificial intelligence, data, and digitalization to enhance visitor experiences. A key initiative, ‘Vive Salto’, aims to create a unified digital platform to consolidate local information, agendas, and circuits, utilizing geolocation and digital tools to increase the visibility of the department's offerings beyond its traditional thermal spas.