Uruguay presents at FIEXPO Latin America 2025

This international trade fair specializing in the meetings, conferences, events, and incentives industry brings together destinations and suppliers to connect with the world's leading buyers.

This space creates a key platform for promoting Uruguay as a connected, reliable, and competitive country for hosting international events.

The national delegation is led by the Undersecretary of Tourism, Ana Claudia Caram, and the National Director of Tourism, Cristian Pos.

The mission also includes representatives from the public and private sectors linked to the MICE industry: Congresos & Reuniones, Grupo Elis, Furlong Incoming, the Colonia Tourism Association, the Uruguayan Association of Congress Organizers, and the Punta del Este Bureau. Also participating are the Punta del Este Convention Center, the Radisson Victoria Plaza Hotel, Solanas Vacation, and the Real de San Carlos Bullring. 

National Tourism Director Cristian Pos expressed the importance of this fair for our destination: "It's always good to have a destination like Uruguay present at these types of fairs, to maintain the brand's efforts and the presence of those locations that can host events, as well as to showcase the latest developments in the country and the tourism offerings at these sites." 

He also highlighted the country's offering at the fair: "Uruguay stands out for its quality. The services are improving, the professionals who organize the fair are updating and training. The destination offers certainty, quality, facilities, and a location where you can host the event and explore different tourist destinations within a short distance." 

World-class infrastructure and services
Convention centers like the one in Punta del Este and the modern Antel Arena in Montevideo marked a turning point in the country's ability to attract high-profile events in Uruguay.

Colonia also stands out with its iconic Real de San Carlos Bullring, reopened in 2021, offering the opportunity to host major events in a unique setting that combines history, design, and culture.

Added to this are tax benefits such as VAT exemption on room rentals and related services, a diversified hotel offering, growing connectivity, and a highly professional workforce.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, 195 events were declared of Tourist Interest in 2024. Of that total, 48.7% received tax benefits. Montevideo and Maldonado accounted for 89% of the events, consolidating their position as the main destinations for the industry in the country.

Conferences accounted for 18% of events, followed by exhibitions (13%), conferences (11%), meetings (9%), and trade shows (7%). These figures reflect the academic and professional profile of meeting tourism in Uruguay. Activity peaks especially in September and November.

Uruguay on the global radar for MICE tourism. 
In the 2024 ranking by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Uruguay ranks 65th globally and 11th in the Americas, a scenario that now includes the entire continent, from Canada to the Southern Cone. Montevideo climbed the rankings, moving from 17th to 11th among cities in the Americas, and continues to establish itself as a host of major events.

At FIEXPO 2025, Uruguay will showcase not only its organizational capabilities but also its unique style, making it an ideal destination for the development of this tourism segment.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay.