MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay received 13.7% more tourists in first half of 2008

Cruise vessel docked in Montevideo

In the first half of this year the number of overseas tourists arriving in Uruguay increased 13.7% compared to the same period in 2007, according to Benjamin Liberoff, chief advisor of the country's Ministry of Tourism.

Last year the number of tourists visiting Uruguay totaled 1.820.000 and this year's first half represents, 1.190.000. Tourism income in the first five months of 2008 was estimated to have increased by 20.1%. Argentine tourists made up the main group, 635.503, up 14% over the same period in 2007; Brazilians followed with 188.416, up 17.8%, while Uruguayans 147.000, which is a 13% increase. Out of region tourists totaled 180.000, up 8%. The Ministry of Tourism revealed that during 2007 it spent over half a million US dollars in brochures, pamphlets and other literature promoting Uruguay. According to the Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce and Services, income from hotels, houses, camping, apart-hotels and other lodge forms increased 19.1% in the period. Hotel activity in Montevideo in both half years under consideration was most significant during the second quarter. Overall activity in the hotel industry was 8% higher in 2008 than in 2007, added the Chamber.