Travel and Tourism - Uruguay

Carrasco International Airport opens new terminal
 

In December 2009, Carrasco International Airport’s new passenger terminal began operations. The project cost around US$165 million and it is expected that approximately 4.5 million travellers will pass through the terminal per year. The airport was voted one of the 13 prettiest airports in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2010.
 

New boutique hotels
 

5-star tourism is becoming very popular in Uruguay, and several 5-star and boutique hotels have been opened. In 2010, Le Bibló opened in Montevideo, a 6-suite hotel built in a Victorian mansion. The La Solana del Mar, a 1945 retreat, has also been reopened as a beachside boutique hotel. In addition, the Setai Jose Ignacio, a luxury resort, spa and residential project, is being built, and is expected to be open by 2012.
 

Uruguay makes tax reforms which benefit tourists
 

In 2009, Uruguay made a permanent tax reform, agreeing to give back any VAT paid by non-residential tourists when visiting the country. VAT payments made on purchases such as leather, arts and crafts, and on food and beverages are now being returned, VAT is no longer charged in hotels. This helps Uruguay to become more attractive when compared to other tourist destinations like Argentina and Brazil, where tourists have to pay VAT on goods purchased and hotel bookings.