As Remo Monzeglio, Uruguay’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, points out, “Uruguay is well placed geographically and has a mild climate that’s pleasant all year round.” Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is famous for its stunning beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, its historic and fascinating cities - such as the capital, Montevideo - and its vibrant culture, rich in tradition, music and good food. “In addition to excellent quality of tourist facilities and services, the country boasts a rich and varied local cuisine, with well-known national dishes such as traditional meat barbecue and dulce de leche, as well as local Tannat wines.”  

Looking at 2023, Uruguay’s tourism sector saw significant growth compared to 2022, with an exponential increase especially in the first quarter, with 1,219,189 arrivals recorded against 391,682 the previous year. The main countries of origin are Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, while Europe remains stable in fifth place with 50,204 arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, 27,979 in the second and 44,248 in the third.

This increase is closely linked to the country’s new travel offers, which are increasingly all-round and inclusive: “Today, Uruguay is diversifying its tourist offer,” says Monzeglio, “and visitors can choose between beautiful ocean beaches, ecotourism experiences, immersive activities dedicated to whale watching in the southernmost area and birdwatching in rural areas; but also wellness tourism dedicated to physical and mental well-being, regional cruises to South America and Antarctica, cultural tours to the various UNESCO sites and innovative corporate offers for meetings and corporate events.” As Monzeglio explains, “the aim is to make the offer increasingly varied and modern, in order to attract a greater number of tourists and foreign markets”, always with an eye to the sustainability of locations and people, essential for preserving the country’s natural, cultural and economic resources.  

“The future of the sector is undoubtedly based on the paradigm of sustainable tourism, according to the principle of caring for national heritage,” stresses Uruguay’s Deputy Minister of Tourism. An approach that aims to protect local ecosystems also helps to create more authentic, exciting and conscious experiences for visitors: “In Uruguay, we want to offer quality experiences to those who visit different destinations, while actively involving local communities in the correct and respectful management of tourist sites.”  

Uruguay is participating in BIT24 to “improve its links with foreign countries through strategic alliances with airlines and cruise lines, tour operators and tourism institutions, but above all to promote its many unique examples of beauty.”