Effects of inflation on tourism

[dr__dawggy]

as a yo yo, not an expat, who lives primarily in the US, I would say that the inflation in Argentina has about zero effect on this.

The big factors are:

The recession in the USA- a LOT of people are a lot broker than they were in 2007, and even if they arent, they are being much more cautious about spending money.

Airfares- although I fly almost exclusively on frequent flyer miles, retail prices on tickets from Seattle to BsAs have gone from around $800 to $1200 and above, in the last couple of years. This is a pretty big bite- $400 still goes a long way in Buenos Aires.

I really dont think the entrance fee is a big factor for any but the backpacking sector- I have a lot of friends who are older, who go to Argentina for wine, tango, art, and culture, and frankly, once they commit to the trip, they arent going to cancel for a hundred and fifty bucks.

And I would sure beg to differ about the costs- by Seattle standards, Buenos Aires is still quite cheap, if you are spending dollars. Hotels in major US cities are mostly well over $150 a night these days, meals are double or triple for equivalent places, and your culture dollar goes a LOT farther in Argentina- most major museums in any decent sized US city are a minimum of $15 a ticket, thats 60 pesos per person, concerts and dance and similar events are all WAY more. There are still plenty of apartments for rent in Palermo starting at $500 a week- I dont know many people who stay in $200 a night hotels.

I think the number one factor in travel is psychology- how rich are you feeling today? and in both Europe and the USA, even people with lots of money are feeling pretty cautious. Its not that they cant afford it, its that they think maybe they should just be more economical this year.

I spent 10 days BA last March followed by 4 nights in Seattle in May. Air fare rt from DFW to EZE was $1,500. I have already paid the entrance fee, so no additional cost. Stayed in a friend's apartment for a week. No cost....the last three nights I stayed at the Marriott Plaza which was a little over US 200 per night. Air fare to Sea Tac from DFW was $1000 less than a ticket to EZE. Booked the Pan Pacific for US129 a night via Kayak. Restaurants were about the same....Seattle was more expensive for ground transportation, for sure....and museums did cost more....but these additional costs were more than offset by the difference in air fare....and the savings on hotel in Seattle over BA. I even spend less in Hawaii these days than in BA...quite a surprise to me....but true.

 

[starlucia]

Speaking of airfare, one major tourism advantage that Europe has (now that Buenos Aires consumer prices are now basically on par) is the availability of low-fare tickets through airlines like Easyjet, Vueling, and AirEuropa. I just got back from a 6-week vacation in Spain and Italy, and was able to zip around various European countries for as low as 30 euros each way. Side trips out of Buenos Aires involve either long and gross bus rides, or the exorbitant airfares charged to non-residents.

 

[chris]

Speaking of airfare, one major tourism advantage that Europe has (now that Buenos Aires consumer prices are now basically on par) is the availability of low-fare tickets through airlines like Easyjet, Vueling, and AirEuropa. I just got back from a 6-week vacation in Spain and Italy, and was able to zip around various European countries for as low as 30 euros each way. Side trips out of Buenos Aires involve either long and gross bus rides, or the exorbitant airfares charged to non-residents.

The air fares are high for residents as well, just not as high as non-residents pay. Even bus fares have soared in the last year.

 

[julicar12]

If you can get around the airfare, Buenos Aires is a bargain compared to other LA distinations for tourism. Go to Sao Paolo or Rio and you will see the difference, thats why a lot of brasilenos go to BA for vacation.

I am from Costa Rica and the first time I went there (a year ago) I was AMAZED at how cheap things were there. Apartment rentals (short term for vacation), food, taxis, attractions, medicines, those things are around 50% cheaper than where I live.

If flights were cheaper BA would be inundated by intra LA tourism. However as things are now flights to Europe are cheaper and flights to the US and Canada are less than half the price.

 

[pez]

For Australians it has apparently become a bargain destination but that has more to do with the strength of the Australian dollar. News article here

 

[dennisr]

Daily spending numbers for N. Americans and Europeans? Maybe I missed something.

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1408024-cuanto-gastan-los-turistas-en-el-pais

http://translate.googleusercontent....l-pais&usg=ALkJrhhQcDQTrc_FeLdb6NZRis89RL1RSw

 

[visitorfromSF]

I am visiting from the states and chose BsAs because I have never been to LA and wanted to learn a little Spanish while visiting a city with a lot to do. I'm also attending a big conference here. I considered Spain, but it was more expensive. I have had several meals with appetizer, main, and coffee or dessert for us$10-15 Also, I'm temporarily renting a studio apartment in Recoleta for $1000 per month which is high for residents but cheap for me compared to where I live (SF) and NYC which would be twice as much or more. Taxis and museums also seem less expensive. So all in all if a person is looking to vacation in a big metropolis, I think BsAs is currently still more affordable for US residents than many destinations, including having a domestic vacation.