Uruguay focuses on authentic experiences to expand its tourism reach
During the event "Uruguay, much more than a country" held in Buenos Aires, Mónica Tognola, part of the Marketing Department of the Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay, spoke with Travel2latam about the organization's work axes, the latest in connectivity and the importance of showing the diversity of proposals beyond traditional destinations
How do you assess the current state of the tourism market in Uruguay?
At the Ministry of Tourism, we continue to implement policies and strategies to attract more visitors and, at the same time, strengthen domestic tourism. Argentina is a priority market, and that's why we hold these types of events, where we seek to showcase not only the classics but also the diversity of offerings Uruguay has to offer.
What is the objective of organizing this type of event in the region?
The goal is to work together with operators and providers to showcase our offerings. We invite hotels, lodging establishments, and various businesses to present their proposals directly. We want to highlight icons like Punta del Este, a year-round destination, but also alternatives like the Cheese Route in Colonia, which offers unique rural and gastronomic experiences, or the beach resorts of Rocha, with iconic spots like La Paloma, La Pedrera, Punta del Diablo, and Cabo Polonio, the latter offering a unique approach to complete relaxation. The idea is to showcase the breadth of experiences Uruguay can offer.
In terms of connectivity, what new features can you highlight?
One of the most recent is the Montevideo–Salto flight, which connects with the Hot Springs region in just over an hour. This service represents a major advance, allowing tourists to quickly access a completely different experience and return to Montevideo on the same day if they wish. Uruguay is a country that can be easily traveled, and improving connectivity is key to enhancing this attribute.
What promotional actions are planned in the short term?
We will continue with an active schedule of trade shows and presentations. We will be at FIT in Buenos Aires with our own stand, in Gramado and Paraguay, and also in Europe with our participation at FITUR in Madrid. The goal is to maintain our international presence, strengthen the promotion of the destination, and generate new connections that will allow us to continue expanding Uruguay's tourism offering.