MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Buenos Aires looking forward to a “very good cruise season”

MS “Fram” was in Buenos Aires over the weekend and now is heading for Ushuaia

Buenos Aires City is looking forward to what it considers a “very good cruise season” with the number of visitors increasing 11% and the number of calls 15%, according to Hernán Lombardi Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Argentine capital.

This last weekend M/S “Fram” arrived in Buenos Aires and with 100 passengers and 100 crew members left for Ushuaia, the first cruise of the 2009/2010 season. However the official opening is scheduled for Wednesday November 11 when the German flagged “Hanseatic” calls in Buenos Aires. She is scheduled to take 200 passengers that will be enjoying the several days trip to Puerto Williams in Tierra del Fuego.

According to Lombardi in spite of the world recession cruise tourism in South America will continue its steady sustained growth and 11% more visitors are expected this season in Buenos Aires city jumping from 268.060 to 298.500.

“This is a significant sign of recovery. Contrary to the northern hemisphere we will continue to grow, confirming the sustained expansion of recent years”, said Lombardi.

The number of calls is anticipated in 143, involving 39 cruise vessels which represent 15% increase over last season. Most vessels arriving in Buenos Aires will be coming from Uruguay or Brazil although the majority of visitors are from United States, Europe, Canada and Brazil.

The domestic market is also significant and one of MSC five cruise vessels, MSC Armonia has been targeted exclusively for Argentine tourists and has scheduled 15 trips to Brazil from December to March.

Some interesting statistics provided by Mr. Lombardi. The average age of cruise passengers boarding in Buenos Aires are couples in their 50s or 60s or newly wed on honey moon. The average cruise is 14 days and the main attractions are Rio do Janeiro, Punta del Este, Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego canals.

Fewer travels to Antarctica and trips are longer, on average 20 days with prices ranging between 1.500 and 8.000 US dollars per week

Lombardi also expects Buenos Aires City visitors to spend more this coming season mainly because the exchange rate is particularly favourable for Brazilians.