International tourism: 1.1 million have visited the city already this year

The Buenos Aires City Government has revealed that the first half of 2019 was the best in six years for international tourism arrivals, with 1.1 million arriving in the city by air in the first six months of the year.

 

This represents year-on-year growth of 17% and consolidates the upward trend that began in mid-2016. The city tourist board predicts that growth will continue and that the total number of tourists arriving in Buenos Aires by air will reach 3 million this year, making 2019 the best year for tourism since 2011. 

 

Increased arrivals have had a direct effect on income, with tourist spending in the first six months of 2019 reaching AR$ 34,890 million, an increase of 25% in real terms.

 

Fernando Straface, General Secretary and Secretary of International Relations, said: "Tourism boosts our neighbourhoods' economies. It's one of the economic activities with the greatest capacity to generate both direct and indirect employment through its multiplying effect. We work to ensure that tourism reaches more neighbourhoods and we're convinced that residents are the key ingredient in the journeys experienced by those who come to visit the city."

 

Through Big Data analysis by the city's Tourism Intelligence System it is possible to identify emerging areas for tourism such as the neighbourhood of Belgrano, which is receiving 31% of the tourists that visit the neighbourhood of Palermo. The city this year launched a Tourism in Neighbourhoods programme to promote this trend and expand tourism to all parts of the city by developing a digital map that features more than 500 attractions including 80 culturally important cafes, more than 150 theatres and cultural centres.

 

Gonzalo Robredo, president of the Buenos Aires City Tourist Board said: “The Porteños are enriched though the arrival of travelers, which opens the possibility of dialogue. The expansion of this phenomenon to all of our neighbourhoods is a chance to continue strengthening Buenos Aires' diverse and creative cultural identity, at the same time developing the economy and generating more employment.

 

This meeting of cultures is highly valued by residents. According to a qualitative survey carried out by the tourist board's Department of Market Intelligence and Observatory in the neighbourhoods of  Palermo, San Telmo and La Boca, residents agree that the arrival of international visitors benefits the economy and improves neighbourhoods, as well as being a source of neighbourhood pride.

 

Tourists are also beginning to arrive from new outbound markets. The number of tourists arriving from Chile grew 28% year-on-year in the first six months of the year, while arrivals from Europe increased 13%.