Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina (the world’s 24th largest economy in terms of GDP), is a large cosmopolitan city of 13.8 million inhabitants. Argentina is often associated with good football, bad football, magnificent steaks, tango, polo, rugby and for those in the know with one of the best ballets, symphonic orchestras and public art collections in South America.
Now, let’s define Buenos Aires by what it does not have and you’ll very quickly see it lacks modern experience economy attractions. More so, you’ll find that, in the context of a growing economy and in particular of increasing tourism flows, Argentina does understand that it is critical to offer new content so its guests stay longer when visiting. Tourism is growing – last year at 2.2 million tourists with expenditure averaging almost US$ 900 per day. More tourists are expected as Argentina frees its skies. Buenos Aires is the only city in South America connected to the UK with daily British Airways non-stop flights as well as by low cost carrier, Norwegian Air UK, bringing new British tourists four times a week non-stop from London Gatwick.
There are discussions about a “Buenos Aires Eye” (similar to the Coca Cola London Eye), as well as new theme parks and opportunities to harness the power of music with over 100 British bands playing Buenos Aires every 18 months. Buenos Aires will also be hosting later this year the Youth Olympic Games and has secured the 2023 World Expo. It will also make a joint bid with Paraguay and Uruguay for the 2030 Football World Cup.
As Argentina´s capital rejoins the premiere league, we are looking at touring exhibitions once again finding their way to Buenos Aires varying from Britain´s Turner exhibition from the Tate to the Antimicrobial Resistance Exhibition put together by the Science Museum in London. Large Argentine shopping mall operators are also keen to invest in attractions that will make their visitors spend more time (and money) in their centres.
So, going back to what Buenos Aires is lacking, it’s lacking you and your company. Touch base with you DIT team both in London and here in Buenos Aires and we’ll be glad to assist you learn of current & planned developments; find agents in this growing market; and explore how you too can be part of developing the new experiences of what is already one of the most attractive cities in South America: Buenos Aires!
Alfredo Fierro | Deputy Director, Trade and Investment |
Department for International Trade | British Embassy | Dr Luis Agote 2412 | C1425EOF Buenos Aires
Tel: 54 11 4808 2262 | E-mail: alfredo.fierro@fco.gov.uk
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