Uruguay Golf Project and Resort Push Ahead After Orsi Meetings
Uruguay · BUSINESS
Key Facts
- —What happened President Orsi met investors behind a golf club and a resort in Maldonado on 24 August 2026.
- —How big The Uruguay golf project involves US$42 million and the resort investment exceeds US$248 million.
- —The catch The golf project has no permits yet, and the resort has faced construction delays.
- —Who pays Private investors, including Argentine Gianfranco Macri and Italian Giuseppe Cipriani, fund the projects.
- —What comes next Golf works may start by year-end, and the resort aims to open by 2027.
Two major tourism investments in Maldonado gain presidential attention as works resume and permits are sought.
Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi met separate investors on 24 August 2026 in Montevideo to discuss two major tourism projects in Maldonado. The meetings covered a new US$42 million Uruguay golf project and the reactivation of the Cipriani Ocean Resort in Punta del Este.
Presidential Meetings Advance Two Maldonado Projects
President Yamandú Orsi met on Monday 24 August 2026 at the Torre Ejecutiva, the government headquarters, with two separate groups of investors. These meetings focused on major tourism developments in Maldonado, a coastal department east of Montevideo.
First, Orsi met with Maldonado’s mayor, Miguel Abella, who brought Argentine businessman Gianfranco Macri. Macri presented plans for a golf and sports club in the Manantiales area.
Later that same day, the president spoke with Italian developer Giuseppe Cipriani about the Cipriani Ocean Resort, Residences & Casino in Punta del Este. This resort is being built on the site of the former San Rafael hotel.
Both meetings signal strong government support for private investment in Maldonado’s tourism sector. The president’s schedule reflected a priority on job-creating projects in the region.
Golf Club Plans Take Shape in Manantiales
Gianfranco Macri, brother of former Argentine president Mauricio Macri, outlined plans for the new golf and sports club. The facility would be located in Manantiales, a popular area near Punta del Este.
Macri told reporters the investment would be around US$42 million. He said construction would create jobs for 300 to 400 workers during the building phase.
Once operational, the club would employ about 100 people permanently. The project aims to obtain the necessary permits before the end of the year.
If permits are granted, construction could start soon, with a target opening in 2028. The Uruguay golf project is part of a broader push to attract high-end tourism.
Cipriani Resort Restarts After Contractor Dispute
The Cipriani Ocean Resort project had halted work because of a dispute with its main contractor, Criba. That contractor suspended operations, prompting the developer to reassess the situation.
On the Friday before the presidential meeting, Grupo Cipriani announced the project would be reactivated ‘immediately’. They said they would rehire about 650 workers who had been laid off.
Mayor Abella said after the meeting that the project is ‘getting back on track’. He acknowledged delays but expressed hope the resort could open soon.
The investment in this project already exceeds US$248 million, surpassing the threshold in the original tender.
Investor Expresses Confidence After Orsi Meeting
Giuseppe Cipriani spoke to Radio Monte Carlo about his meeting with President Orsi. He described it as a ‘buenísima charla’, or a very good conversation, with the president.
Cipriani said he requested the meeting to tell Orsi that everything is fine, the work continues, and the investment is moving forward. He also said the president was ‘muy contento’ that a union issue had been resolved.
He confirmed that 400 workers returned to the site on that Monday. This restart is a key step toward completing the resort project.
Cipriani expressed he was ‘very happy the work is continuing’. His comments suggest a renewed partnership between private developers and the government.
Timeline for Resort Completion Remains Ambitious
Cipriani confirmed a projected completion date of 2027 for the Punta del Este resort. This timeline would allow the hotel and casino to open within a year and a half.
Mayor Abella said they hope the resort will be ready ‘if not this summer, then the next’. Uruguay’s summer season runs from December to March, so a 2027 opening is plausible.
Earlier reports from August 2026 indicated a target inauguration of December 2027. These dates reflect the complexity of finishing a large resort project.
The project has faced delays, but the developer insists it is a reality and will be completed. The government’s support is seen as crucial to meeting these deadlines.
Both Projects Signal Confidence in Maldonado
The two meetings show private investors are willing to commit large sums to Maldonado’s tourism infrastructure. The golf club alone would represent a US$42 million investment.
The resort project has already spent US$248 million, a sign of deep financial commitment. Both projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction.
Maldonado’s mayor attended both meetings, reinforcing local government support for the developments. He spoke positively about the progress of each project.
These investments could boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the region. The government sees tourism as a key sector for growth.
Permits and Approvals Remain Key Hurdles
The golf club project still needs the necessary permits before work can begin. Macri said the goal is to obtain these permits by year-end.
The resort project had to resolve its contractor dispute and union issues, which caused delays. Now that those problems are solved, work can proceed.
For the Uruguay golf project, the next step is formal approval from local authorities. The project must still complete the required approval procedures with local and national authorities.
The government’s willingness to meet with investors suggests the government wants the projects to move quickly. However, no permits have been officially granted yet.
Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond
If the golf club begins construction before the end of 2026, it could open its doors in 2028. That would add another high-end sports facility to the Punta del Este area.
The Cipriani resort is targeting 2027 for completion, pending any further delays. Both projects would enhance Maldonado’s reputation as a luxury destination.
Investors like Macri and Cipriani are betting on Uruguay’s stability and tourism appeal. They see potential for growth in the region.
The government’s engagement with these projects demonstrates a proactive approach to development. With permits and continued construction, these ventures could transform Maldonado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uruguay golf project?
It is a proposed golf and sports club in Manantiales, Maldonado, presented by Argentine businessman Gianfranco Macri. The investment would be around US$42 million.
Who is financing the Uruguay golf project?
Gianfranco Macri is the main investor behind the project. He met with President Orsi to discuss the plans.
What is the status of the Cipriani resort in Punta del Este?
The resort restarted work after a contractor dispute, with 400 workers back on site. The investment exceeds US$248 million, and completion is targeted for 2027.
Why did President Orsi meet with these investors?
He met to show government support for major tourism projects in Maldonado. Both meetings were held on 24 August 2026 at the Torre Ejecutiva.
When will the golf club open?
If permits are granted by year-end, construction could start soon and the club could open in 2028. No permits have been granted yet.
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