RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After almost two years of the pandemic, Uruguay awaits the arrival of tourists with the enthusiasm that this season will be one of reunion, of welcome, of year-end toasts, and with the emphasis on health safety. The return to a situation of free mobility is the auspice of a stage tending towards “normality”.
At the International Tourism Fair of Latin America (FIT), the most important in the region, the Minister of Tourism of Uruguay, Tabaré Viera, presented the official launching of the 2021-2022 summer season. The event was held at the Residence of the Embassy of Uruguay in Argentina, and several sectors were present.
Despite the exchange rate difference with Argentina, the country that generates Uruguay’s primary tourist market expects a good season. “We have good expectations based on what was the 2019 season, the last one with open borders. After so much confinement, people need to go out and vacation,” he said.
“We expect to have a similar flow of tourists, that is, that one million Argentines visit our beaches. We also have a stock of 200,000 Pfizer vaccines available for tourists. We expect the demand to be great,” said Martín Laventure, Director General of Tourism of the Maldonado Municipality, in an interview with Clarín.
However, a document from the Center for Economic Research (Cinve) in Uruguay, called “Perspectives and projections of the tourist season – Neither old nor new normal,” projects that the number of Argentine tourists entering the country will be reduced by 26% with respect to the 2019-2020 season, before the arrival of the pandemic.
“We approach tourism as a state policy. The different destinations work together regardless of party political color,” said Fernando Amado, Director of Tourism of the Municipality of Montevideo.
“I believe that we are witnessing the opening and the beginning of the recovery of the tourism sector, which is fundamental for the life of our countries. Uruguay has essential strengths such as health security with the indicators of vaccination and pandemic levels under control.”
“Eighty percent of the population received two doses, and more than 40% received a third application. There is even a good level of hotel reservations for December and January with levels above 60%,” Tabaré Viera said.
OPENING OF BORDERS
Likewise, he expressed a long conversation with the Minister of Tourism of Argentina, Matías Lammens. They looked for a way to finish normalizing the situation of the borders, the opening of all the bridges, the liberation of the marinas and their boats.
“Also, we are looking for joint promotions because it is important to generate circuits that strengthen our offer. I am confident that in a few days, it will be solved. It is about to be finalized,” he said.
He remarked that “diversification, decentralization, and quality of services, such as adventure tourism, experience tourism or the roads that go through the historical and cultural heritage are offers that grow and complement the classic destinations, which are already consolidated, such as the coastal and thermal ones.”
PFIZER SHOTS FOR TOURISTS
Since December 1, 2021, free vaccination against Covid-19 has been available for tourists entering Uruguay as long as they meet specific requirements.
Who can be vaccinated?
Over 18 years old – Third dose. It must have been 180 days since the last vaccination or more than 30 days from the date of the Covid-19 positive result declared in the Affidavit.
Over 12 and under 18 years of age – Full schedule (2 doses from Pfizer).
Steps to follow:
-Complete the Affidavit of entry to the country and provide a scanned photo of the vaccine and negative PCR (with a maximum of 72 hours of validity).
-Make an appointment online or through 0800 1919 (available from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 9PM) for vaccination against Covid-19 – Making an appointment within 48 hours after entering the country is possible.
-Receive confirmation of the schedule 72 hours after the appointment has been made by text message and e-mail. The date will be scheduled 48 hours after the appointment has been made, subject to the availability of seats in the requested location.
-Attend the appointment at the assigned date and place.
“It is not vaccination tourism but tourism with vaccination. It is one more service for those who choose to vacation in our country. For those under 18 years of age, there will be no requirement to be immunized to enter the country; they will only be asked for a negative PCR test and they will also be able to be vaccinated in Uruguay,” clarified Tabaré Viera.
Sources of the sector indicated that, although there is still no data on the number of people registered, it is expected to have that figure by the end of the month, there is an increase of tourists in the departments of Montevideo, Rocha, and Maldonado and that in those places the time required to stay is from 15 days onwards.
“There is no minimum length of stay required. Once you sign up, there is a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of between 15 and 20 days to receive the shot.”
In addition to the possibility of receiving a booster or third dose, other benefits for tourists are full VAT refund in food and beverage establishments, zero VAT in hotels and car rentals, income tax discount on apartment rentals, and a 24% discount on gasoline when entering by car through a land border.