Love Affair with Argentina

MIAMI, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, deserts ... Argentina has such a wide variety of options for tourists that thousands of Americans already have succumbed to its charms. In fact, the demand for flights to that country has grown so much that the recently inaugurated direct air route between Chicago and Buenos Aires is only the tip of the iceberg.

According to the Argentina Tourism Office the number of U.S. visitors to Argentina grew more than 35 percent between 2005 and 2007, and it is estimated that close to 430,000 North Americans (from the United States and Canada) visited the country last year. But this is just the beginning of a trend that is on the rise, industry executives say.

"Due to a tourist offer that includes the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, the exclusivity of cruises to Antarctica, ski resorts and fishing, the number of U.S. tourists visiting our country will grow at an even faster rate during 2008," said Eduardo Piva, director of the Argentina Tourism Office serving the U.S., Canada and Mexico region.

One of the factors that ensure this development is American Airlines' new and successful daily route between Chicago's O'Hare and Buenos Aires' Ezeiza airports. The flight was inaugurated on Dec. 13th and has become an unbeatable option both for Canadians and Americans from northern states. According to Domenico Matinata, American Airlines' Regional Director for South America, the flights on that new route have departed for Buenos Aires at almost full capacity in the past weeks since it was launched.

So ... What is it about Argentina that is so appealing to Americans? Experts say it is the variety of attractions for tourists such as vast landscapes, a fascinating culture and adventure tourism, all with an exchange rate that is favorable compared to Europe and other exotic locations of the same caliber to eat in the best restaurants, stay in internationally recognized hotels and return with lots of typical gifts.

"One of the biggest draws is Buenos Aires. It's a European style city that combines early 20th century Spanish, Italian and French architecture with a cosmopolitan air and a selection of exceptional quality hotels and restaurants. Our other travel experiences that are especially attractive to Americans are cruises, skiing, fishing and golf." said Piva.

Skiing At Its Peak

Skiing is a major attraction for tourists coming to Argentina. Since the country is located in the southernmost part of the hemisphere, the high season for that sport -- June to October -- coincides with summer in North America. Several ski resorts equipped with the most modern infrastructure are located in the Andes mountain range, from Mendoza province to Tierra del Fuego. Visitors can choose between professional caliber slopes and small regional skiing centers. The most popular ski resorts include Los Penitentes, Cerro Castor, Cerro Bayo, Cerro Catedral, Chapelco, Caviahue, Las Lenas and La Hoya.

Fishing as a Lure

For those whose passion is fishing, there is a vast array of fish to catch in Argentina, from Salmonidae in Patagonia to warm-water species like the Dorado (found in a coastal region of northeastern Argentina known for large rivers and red soil), as well as another 40 species. Catch-and-release fishing, the practice that helps support sustainable tourism, is mandatory in most areas of Patagonia.

Golfing To a Tee

Argentina has been named the best golfing destination in Latin America and the Caribbean for 2008 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). More than 280 golf courses designed by renowned course architects like Allister Mackenzie, Von Hagge, Nicklaus, Luther Koontz, Dentone, Caprile and Emilio Serrain can be found throughout the country and in a variety of styles, from American to Scottish to English. Some courses are surrounded by mountains, while others are situated near the sea or jungle or in the heart of the largest cities.

From Scenery to Savory

Rapids, huge waterfalls, deserts with unforgettable sunsets, fabulous meats and wines, shopping centers and even a huge circuit for children ... Argentina has something for every taste and that's why so many Americans have fallen in love with the country.

For more information on travel to Argentina, go to the Secretariat of Tourism website at: http://www.turismo.gov.ar

    Press contact:
    Kathy Hernandez
    Kathy.Hernandez@newlinkcorp.com
    (407) 381-0428