MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Cruise season begins in Buenos Aires

“Saga Pearl” and “Amsterdam” with 1,556 tourists officially inaugurated the 2004/05 cruise season in Buenos Aires which according to Argentine sources will represent over 53,000 visitors.

"Saga Pearl" (219 passengers) came from Montevideo and the "Amsterdam" (1,337) from Ushuaia.

Marcela Cuesta, Buenos Aires City Tourism Under-Secretary said 55 cruise vessels are scheduled to call in Buenos Aires, five more than last season with 12% more visitors.

"We also anticipate that this year cruise visitors will be spending an average 8% more than last season", said Ms. Cuesta underlining the significance of the cruise tourism for Buenos Aires catering and shops.

Cruise tourism has consistently increased in Buenos Aires since 1996/97 when 26 vessels called in compared to the current 55 expected this year. Local authorities estimate that the average visitor spends the equivalent of 120/140 US dollars per day totaling a sum close to 15 million US dollars. This does not include spending by 10,000 crew members and supplies to the vessels.

Shopping, leather goods, enjoying Argentine meats plus city tours, tango shows and a day in an estancia are among the main attractions for visitors.

The last cruise of the season on April 21, 2005 will be "Astor".