A coffee with... Aldo Elias, president of the Argentine Chamber of Tourism (CAT)
![CAT]()
Aldo Elías
President of CAT
Aldo Elias, president of the Argentine Chamber of Tourism (CAT), shares with us how Argentina is supporting tourism recovery in a region where the COVID-19 crisis affecting the tourism industry is compounded by the economic crisis and the loss of international air connections.
In this context, we are working on the reactivation, on training, on strengthening the commercialization chain and international promotion. As for the opportunities, we can anticipate a future strong demand for nature tourism, with which Argentina and its wonderful proposal will have a privileged place as an international touristic destination.
What actions is CAT currently taking to drive the tourism sector forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
CAT has played a very active role since the beginning of the pandemic. We have worked together with the public sector, the National Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in order to achieve positive measures for the sector. At the beginning of the pandemic, we held a meeting with the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández; we also worked together with Congress Representatives and Senators who passed the Law for the Support and Productive Reactivation of National Tourism, which helped to get through such a difficult situation. Additionally, we played an essential role in the development of sanitary protocols, together with the National Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the validation of the National Ministry of Health, in order to advance in the reopening of tourism based on the implementation of maximum health and safety protocols. Likewise, we worked on the implementation of the Safe Travels seal by WTTC along with INPROTUR (National Institute for Tourism Promotion) with the purpose of rebuilding trust with travellers, and validated the health and safety measures with the highest international standards. We also organized training sessions and courses, such as the Ampliar Destinos (Broadening Destinations) cycle, aimed at touristic operators and providers.
CAT has bet on promoting ''Accessible Tourism'', with the creation of the library of Accessible Tourism. Can you explain it briefly and how will it help tourism be more competitive?
The inclusion and the accessibility played a leading role in the Accessible Tourism Committee of CAT. In this Committee, we lead actions to promote accessible tourism, organize awareness cycles and implement a virtual library where you can find all existing legal material in our country. This will enable us to be aware of the different rules and provisions in Argentina. Thus, we will be able to promote better experiences and optimize competitiveness.
In 2021, What is your prediction for the tourism sector in Argentina? Which strategies and products will Argentina use to continue being a dynamic tourism destination?
Before reaching the zero level, tourism in Argentina was growing in a sustained manner. We had reached the fourth place as a currency generator sector for the country, generating 5,400 million dollars in exports as far as international tourism is concerned. Additionally, domestic tourism had also consolidated with high levels of movement during high season as well as in long weekends.
For 2021, we anticipate that the reactivation will be slow and that there will be a drop in consumption. The impact of COVID-19 in the economy has been very strong. We estimate 20% of touristic structure – hotels, agencies, transport – in Argentina will not reopen after the crisis. In this context, we are working on the reactivation, on training, on strengthening the commercialization chain and international promotion. As for the opportunities, we can anticipate a future strong demand for nature tourism, with which Argentina and its wonderful proposal will have a privileged place as an international touristic destination.
Finally, tell us how you value your strategic cooperation with the UNWTO last year and a wish for 2021!
The leadership role of the UNWTO has been critical in such a difficult context in 2020. From CAT, we share the willingness to work together, in alliance with the public and the private sector, in order to move forward. We hope that this year we will be able to reactivate tourism and revert the deepest crisis in history for this business sector. It is our most difficult challenge, but we are convinced that we will achieve it. In 2021, we must return to the path of growth and development of more inclusive and sustainable tourism for everyone’s benefit.
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