Buenos Aires Reporting US Traveler Boom

The years following the pandemic have been a boom period for travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s famed capital city.

U.S. travelers have buoyed the city’s visitor arrivals. Last year 318,016 U.S. vacationers visited Buenos Aires, an 11 percent increase over 2022. The total also represents a 20 percent increase over pre-pandemic 2019, as the South American city has rebounded strongly from pandemic travel restrictions.

Buenos Aires tourism officials are “very optimistic” regarding year-to-date arrivals from the U.S. market, which they consider the country’s most important long-haul source market.

Valentín Díaz Gilligan is president of the Buenos Aires Tourism Board, Visit Buenos Aires and Argentina's Federal Tourism Council. TravelPulse spoke recently with the Buenos Aires tourism leader for a closer look at the country’s tourism success.

TP: Where does Buenos Aires rank among Argentine tourism destinations?

VD: Buenos Aires as the capital city of Argentina [and] the main entrance to the country. It is the most important destination in Argentina, followed by the Iguazu Falls, El Calafate, Mendoza and Bariloche.

TP: What is the Visit Buenos Aires’ role?

VD: [The organization] promotes tourist experiences involving culture, gastronomy [and] sports to capture the attention of the high yield traveler who spends more in the visited destination and is conscious about the impact of tourism in the culture and the environment.

TP: How would you describe the city’s character?

VD: Buenos Aires is a year-round destination and is a human scale city due to its walkability and livability. It has a unique culture scene that can rival that of New York or London and a very sophisticated gastronomy offer that since 2023 also involves Michelin-starred restaurants.

TP: What attractions (natural, cultural and historic) are most visitors to the country interested in visiting?

VD: Among the most visited attractions [are] the Colon Opera House, one of the best lyric theaters in the world; the Recoleta cemetery with the tomb of Eva “Evita” Perón, La Boca neighborhood with its [colorful] painted houses, San Telmo with its open-air market on weekends and the Plaza the Mayo, the square that hosted Argentina's most important [historic] events.

TP: Are there other cultural and culinary attractions travelers can experience in while in the city?

VD: The Tango and the Argentine beef are also among the most important assets that the city offers in terms of tourism.

TP: How are Buenos Aires tourism officials promoting the country to American travelers?

VD: We believe that contact with the trade is crucial to promote the city in the US market. Argentina is generally perceived as an exotic, long-haul destination by American travelers and that is why we approach this market mainly with [agency] promotional actions. Our being part of some of the most prestigious travel consortiums such as Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network is key to [networking] with the American travel trade.

TP: What factors make Buenos Aires an attractive destination for cruise ship travelers?

VD: Buenos Aires is one of the most important ports of call and is also a “turnaround” destination for big cruise liners and expedition [ships] operating in Antarctica. It offers a wide variety of cultural and unique attractions not only in the city, but also in its surroundings.

TP: What else can cruise visitors do in Buenos Aires?

Cruise passengers [can] visit some of the city´s main attractions along with visiting the Delta of the Paraná River in the northern suburbs or have a close encounter with the gaucho’s life in one of the many estancias located within an hour and one-half from the city.

TP: Are there other advantages for travelers arriving in Buenos Aires vis cruise ship?

VD: Being a turnaround destination offers the possibility of extending the stay pre- or post-cruise. People are usually amazed by the architecture of the city, the friendliness of the “porteños” [local residents], the world class gastronomy and the variety of international events taking place all year long.

TP: What else should U.S. travel advisors know about Buenos Aires and vacations in the destination?

VD: Buenos Aires is always a pleasant surprise and visitors leave the city wishing they had stayed longer. That’s the reason we insist on spending a minimum of three nights in the city, a three-day stay offers the opportunity to visit the highlights of the city, attend a dinner and tango show, maybe even learning the basic steps of tango, [plus] taste some delicacies at one of the many awarded restaurants.

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