Sunshine, wine, fine cuisine, and cutting-edge infrastructure. It was with this irresistible menu that the Solanas Group, represented by Edwin Shaw, Account Manager for the Sales and Events Department, participated in the São Paulo leg of the Uruguay Roadshow in Brazil, promoted by CAMTUR (Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism) and the Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).
After passing through Curitiba (4/8) and Porto Alegre (5/8), the roadshow landed this Wednesday (6) in São Paulo, at Figueira Rubaiyat, and continues to Rio de Janeiro (19/8) and Belo Horizonte (20/8), taking with it the best that Uruguay has to offer in terms of experiences, hospitality and opportunities for Brazilian tourism.
And it was precisely in this setting that Edwin, with his captivating Spanish, shared behind-the-scenes information about one of the continent's most impressive resorts: Solanas Punta del Este, a truly unique world that combines family vacations, corporate conventions, and major sporting events.
One resort, a thousand possibilities
"Our resort is the largest in South America. It has 1,300 rooms, 10 swimming pools, four soccer fields, 11 professional tennis courts, an artificial beach, four restaurants, and a convention center with seven simultaneous rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 800 people," Edwin describes enthusiastically.
Located just five minutes from Punta del Este airport and an hour from Montevideo, Solanas can accommodate up to 4,000 guests and stands out for its versatility. According to Edwin, by 2025, the complex will break the record for events held for Brazilian audiences, reflecting its consistent efforts to connect with the domestic market.
More than tourism: a state policy
Success doesn't happen by accident. Edwin made a point of highlighting the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in Uruguay, something he considers essential to the country's consolidation as an international tourism destination.
"Regardless of the government—whether center-right or center-left—tourism is treated as state policy. We work together, public and private, to build a strong and trustworthy image of our country," he states.
This collaboration translates into real incentives, such as VAT exemption (22%) for foreign tourists who pay by card and for international events held on Uruguayan soil.
For families, events and experiences that stay in memory
When asked about the profile of Solanas' ideal audience, Edwin is emphatic:
"We're an ideal resort for families. We offer activities from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. We have much more programming than a Club Med," he compares.
But the group also stands out in the corporate and sports segment, with a full agenda of congresses, events and competitions, supported by a modern and integrated infrastructure.
During the summer, the largest audience comes from Argentina, followed by Uruguayans and, increasingly, Brazilians — the result of publicity efforts at fairs, partnerships and roadshows.
The perfect getaway for Brazilian tourists
The secret? Perhaps it lies in the Uruguayan lifestyle, which captivates you from the first visit.
"Tourists from São Paulo arrive in a hurry, and within two days they've already shifted down three gears. Uruguay is peaceful, safe, with good food, good wine, and friendly people. Those who experience it, return," says Edwin, with the serenity of someone who knows he's offering an unexplored treasure.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.