According to information shared by the Data Observatory of the Tourism Entity of the City of Buenos Aires, between January and June 2023 a total of 1.27 million international tourists arrived in the national capital, which represents a variation of 135% in compared to the first half of 2022 (540,265 tourists) and 87% compared to the same period but in 2019. (1.47 million).
In this sense, Brazil contributed 23% of the total number of international tourists that arrived in the City in these first six months (289,218); Uruguay, 15% (187,372), United States, 13% (165,950); Chile, 12% (152,804); and Peru, 4% (50,761). Likewise, in the comparison with the balance of international tourism in the first half of 2019, Uruguay showed a recovery of 144%; Russia, 118%; United States, 116%; Chile, 115%; Ecuador, 111%; and Canada, 108%.
“The numbers reached during this first semester are a reflection of the permanent work that we do from Entur to position the City of Buenos Aires. At the beginning of this year we planned to exceed 2.19 million foreign visitors, which would represent 75% of those who arrived at our destination in 2019. However, our most optimistic expectations indicate that we could reach 2.56 million, 87% compared to the pre-pandemic. That is why this balance fills us with optimism and shows us that we are on the right track," said Lucas Delfino, president of the Tourism Board of the City of Buenos Aires.
The recovery of international connectivity
During the first semester of 2023, an average of 4,904 flights per month arrived and departed from the City of Buenos Aires. This number represents almost 160% of last year's flights, but shows that the recovery of commercial aviation activity is still below pre-pandemic levels (74%).
Likewise, between January and June almost 4.76 million passengers entered and exited the national capital; that is, 165% of the traffic from last year and 74% if compared to 2019.
On the other hand, São Paulo/Buenos Aires was the route that transported the most passengers during the first semester (774,970), followed by Santiago de Chile (683,633), Rio de Janeiro (441,992), Madrid (405,826), Miami (268,244), Panama (202,059) Lima (201,294), Bogotá (174,098), Florianópolis (141,536) and Rome (134,428).
What is the behavior of the main markets in CABA
In the case of Brazilians, 76% of visitors come to the City of Buenos Aires for vacations and leisure, while 12% do so for business and 7% to visit family and friends. Furthermore, these tourists stay mostly in 4 and 5 star hotels (44%); but also in 1, 2 and 3 star establishments (21%) and to a lesser extent in the homes of family and friends (8%).
Chilean tourists, historically one of the most important markets for the City, tend to arrive to a greater extent for vacations and leisure (75%), but also to visit relatives (12%) and to attend business meetings and congresses. Likewise, they stay mostly in 4 and 5 star hotels (37%), in 1, 2 and 3 star establishments (20%); and in the homes of family and friends (12%).
Regarding Uruguayans, 32% come to the national capital for vacations, the same percentage for business, 16% to visit family and friends, and the remaining 20% for other reasons. Likewise, 50% of visitors arriving from the neighboring country stay in 4 and 5 star hotels; 18%, in the houses of relatives and friends; and 16% in 1, 2 and 3 star establishments.
Tourists from the block made up of the United States and Canada arrive in the City on vacation in greater numbers (56%), followed by visits to family and friends (32%), and business trips (11%). In this sense, 45% stay in 4 and 5 star hotels; 26%, in the houses of relatives and friends; and 5% in 1, 2 and 3 star establishments.