Ushuaia tourism suffers as hantavirus outbreak raises travel concerns

Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost port and the main departure point for Antarctic cruises, has been linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak that killed a Dutch couple in April. Argentine health officials say the virus, carried by rats, could not be definitively traced to the city, but the possibility has prompted a media backlash and fears of a smear campaign.

Local tourism operators report that the speculation has already led some travelers from the United States and Europe to cancel or postpone bookings for the upcoming cruise season. Travel agencies warn that lost bookings may shift to alternative destinations such as Southeast Asia or Africa, potentially reducing the city’s tourism revenue, which accounts for more than a quarter of its economy.

Ushuaia officials emphasize that the city remains safe and that investigations are ongoing. They hope that swift communication will restore confidence and protect the region’s booming Antarctic cruise industry, which saw over 135,000 departures in the 2025‑2026 season.