Mar del Plata Celebrates Carnival Success with High Tourist Turnout

Mar del Plata, Argentina's premier coastal city, witnessed an impressive influx of 237,967 tourists during the carnival weekend, from Thursday, February 8th, to Sunday, February 11th, showcasing the city's enduring appeal as a top holiday destination. Bernardo Martín, President of the Municipal Tourism and Culture Entity (EMTURYC), highlighted the city's nearly 80% hotel occupancy rate, underscoring the vibrant array of events and activities that attracted visitors despite initial weather challenges.

According to travel2latam, the city buzzed with excitement as more than 300,000 attendees enjoyed first-class recitals marking Mar del Plata's 150th anniversary. The lineup featured renowned artists such as La Joaqui, Los Totora, Los Palmeras, the duo Pimpinela, and the globally acclaimed Bresh party, adding a unique cultural flavor to the carnival festivities.

Bernardo Martín also emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the private sector to enrich Mar del Plata's tourism offerings year-round. This initiative aims to bolster the city's event calendar, ensuring a steady flow of visitors outside the traditional holiday seasons.

The carnival weekend's hotel occupancy reached 79.1%, with an average daily occupancy of 39,369 beds, indicating a healthy demand for accommodation. The transport modes chosen by visitors highlighted a preference for travel by car, accounting for 84% of arrivals. Meanwhile, bus travel saw a decline of 23.5% compared to the previous year, whereas air travel surged by 23.8%, buoyed by increased flight frequencies and new routes introduced by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Flybondi.

This year's carnival in Mar del Plata not only celebrated the city's rich cultural heritage but also demonstrated its capacity to attract and entertain a large number of tourists. With a focus on expanding and diversifying its tourism and cultural offerings, Mar del Plata continues to cement its status as a year-round destination for travelers seeking a blend of beachside relaxation and cultural enrichment.