Puerto Iguazú Leads Hotel Occupancy Over Long Weekend

Puerto Iguazú, in the Misiones province of Argentina, topped the occupancy ranking with 70% during the recent long weekend, solidifying its position as the region's leading tourist destination. The province logged over 18,500 visitors and 58,000 overnight stays, with an average stay of 1.7 nights and an average hotel occupancy of 61%. Posadas came in second with 56% occupancy. In the capital, scheduled congresses, meetings and events boosted visitor arrivals, sustaining activity in hotels, restaurants, commerce and transport. Other municipalities showed occupancy rates of 48% in Oberá, 45% in San Ignacio, 40% in Aristóbulo del Valle and 29% in El Soberbio. Most travelers were domestic, with tourists from neighboring countries; Brazil was the main international market, followed by Paraguay. The results occurred against a complex national economic backdrop marked by recession, reduced purchasing power and consumption challenges. Despite the positive numbers, the sector's challenge remains to recover demand, extend stays and maintain tourist flow throughout the year.