Uruguay launches a competitive fund to boost nautical tourism ventures

Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism has launched a new funding program to boost nautical tourism, under the MINTUR-IDB Emerging Tourist Destinations Development Program. The call for proposals is aimed at entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, and small businesses interested in developing projects in the Santa Lucía River basin—in Canelones and Montevideo—and in the department of Colonia.

The fund's main objectives are to expand the tourism offering, add value to existing proposals, generate employment in the short and medium term, and strengthen the capacities of local actors.

During the launch, Tourism Minister Pablo Menoni emphasized the importance of continuity in public policies as a key differentiator for the country. “We have a strong institutional foundation in the tourism sector, which is crucial, especially during times of investment. The challenge is to differentiate ourselves through the value of our offerings, not just the price,” he stated. He also highlighted the role of tools such as segmentation, artificial intelligence, and improved connectivity in strengthening the destination.

For his part, the National Director of Tourism, Cristian Pos, emphasized that the program is now in its third phase, consolidating concrete results in line with the National Nautical Tourism Plan. “The goal is to transform resources into tourist experiences, supporting SMEs and strengthening the local offerings,” he stated.

From the National Development Agency (ANDE), its president Juan Ignacio Dorrego highlighted that the initiative not only aims to reactivate tourism, but to rethink it with a future-oriented perspective, boosting growth throughout the territory and highlighting unique experiences with international potential.

Meanwhile, the head of operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Rafael Cavazzoni, emphasized the strategic nature of the launch. “We seek to promote more balanced tourism with a local impact, supporting infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and public management,” he stated.

Details of the call for applications

Uruguayan for-profit companies with up to 19 employees and annual revenue of less than $10,000,000 may apply, as well as individuals over 18 years of age with tourism projects aligned with the objectives of the call.

Initiatives related to nautical tourism located in the defined areas will be funded, prioritizing innovative proposals that expand the offerings, generate competitive advantages, and promote sustainable growth. Projects that foster inclusion, accessibility, and the integration of tourism services such as accommodation, gastronomy, transportation, and recreation will also be considered.

The selected projects will be eligible for non-reimbursable financial support of up to 70% of the action plan, with a maximum of $900,000, with the beneficiaries contributing the remaining 30%. They will also receive comprehensive technical support, including assistance in project formulation and implementation, financial planning, and specialized mentoring.

The implementation period will be up to 10 months, including technical and financial closure.

How to apply

The call for applications will be open until Tuesday, May 12 at 2:00 p.m. and applications must be made through the ANDE portal, through the Entrepreneurship Sponsoring Institutions (IPE), the only ones authorized to present the projects.

Requirements include submitting a completed form, current tax documentation, supplementary material, and a video of up to five minutes.

The proposals will be evaluated by a technical committee that will analyze their viability, territorial impact, economic sustainability, and social and environmental contribution.

With this initiative, Uruguay seeks to consolidate nautical tourism as an engine of development, promoting innovation and boosting local economies in emerging destinations.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay