Vacaciones en Mar del Plata: una "temporada perdida" para los argentinos | AFP

Summary

Mar del Plata, traditionally Argentina's top summer destination, faces a significant downturn this season with only 60% occupancy in early January, compared to the usual influx six times its 650,000 residents. The country's 211% annual inflation and 50% peso devaluation have left people with less money for travel. Despite the change in government, prices continue to rise, leading to reduced spending by vacationers who opt for home cooking and budget accommodations. The city's hotels report a 40% occupancy, similar to pandemic levels, with family gatherings and small sports events becoming the new norm for a once bustling tourist hotspot.

Takeaways

• 🏖️ Mar del Plata is a traditional summer destination for Argentinians, often attracting six times its population of 650,000 during the holiday season.
• 📉 The first half of January saw a significant drop in occupancy rates, with only 60% compared to the usual influx of tourists.
• 💰 The economic situation is challenging, with people struggling to afford travel and leisure due to financial constraints.
• 📈 Argentina experienced an annual inflation rate of 211%, which significantly impacted the cost of living and consumer spending.
• 💵 The Argentine peso has devalued by over 50%, further exacerbating the inflation and affecting people's purchasing power.
• 🗓️ The change in government in mid-December under President Javier Milei did not improve the economic situation; instead, it led to a further increase in inflation and a contraction of salaries by 20%.
• 🤔 Initial hopes for economic improvement with the change in presidency have not materialized, as prices continue to rise.
• 🏠 Families visiting Mar del Plata during the holiday season are cutting back on spending, opting for more cost-effective activities such as beach visits and homemade meals.
• 🏨 The hotel industry is also affected, with occupancy rates as low as 40%, significantly lower than the previous year.
• 📊 Despite some weekends reaching 70% occupancy, the overall trend is much lower, reminiscent of the pandemic years.
• 🚫 Organizing large-scale events like football or pelota matches is nearly impossible due to the low tourist turnout.