After the global impact of COVID-19, Argentina found in nature tourism and sustainability a strategic opportunity to reimagine its tourism model. What have we learned, and where are we headed?
The COVID-19 pandemic not only brought travel to a halt — it also forced the Argentine tourism sector to rethink its foundations. What began as an unprecedented crisis became a window of opportunity to promote a safer, more sustainable, and community-connected tourism model.
Today, in the midst of recovery, Argentina is working to consolidate these lessons into public policies, regional initiatives, and new ways of traveling that prioritize nature, inclusion, and economic resilience.
Towards a national vision of safe and sustainable tourism
In the early months of the pandemic, experts and organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Argentina’s Observatory of Sustainable Tourism agreed it was time to forge a shared vision for recovery. This vision rested on three pillars:
- Traveler confidence: with clear protocols and post-COVID best practices.
- Sustainability as a guiding principle: promoting destinations that respect the environment.
- Territorial equity: through actions that reduce regional gaps and strengthen local tourism offerings.
This proposal did not remain just theoretical: it spurred participatory assessments, sustainability-focused training, and a call to embed this vision across all tourism development policies.
The rise of nature tourism in Argentina
One of the key drivers of recovery was nature tourism. According to the IDB, Argentina has ideal conditions to position itself as a leading destination for ecotourism and outdoor experiences.
The pandemic accelerated this trend: tourists began to prioritize open spaces, digital disconnection, local immersion, and more responsible travel practices.
Among the most notable strategies:
- Valuing national parks, protected areas, and natural reserves.
- Creating regional ecotourism corridors.
- Promoting micro-destinations with low population density.
This approach not only diversifies the tourism offer — it also distributes economic benefits more equitably, strengthens local ties, and reduces pressure on overcrowded destinations.
Post-COVID best practices: from emergency to transformation
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Argentina, alongside key stakeholders, developed a set of post-COVID best practices covering every part of the tourism chain: transport, lodging, gastronomy, tour guides, and agencies. These guidelines helped organize the reopening, restored traveler confidence, and established sustainability as a standard — not an option.
Digital tools were also promoted to facilitate bookings, manage capacities, and improve traceability, enhancing a digital transition already underway.
Structural challenges and pathways to equitable recovery
Despite progress, major challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, digital connectivity, and institutional capacity disparities are still significant across regions. Post-pandemic policy analysis highlights the need for:
- Strategic investment in emerging destinations.
- Strengthening local tourism governance.
- Equitable access to financing for small sector players.
Sustainability cannot be understood without territorial and social justice. For this reason, mechanisms are being proposed to include Indigenous peoples, youth, and rural entrepreneurs in the design and implementation of tourism experiences.
Rebuilding better, starting now
Argentina has a unique opportunity to rebuild its tourism sector on stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable foundations. The pandemic left a key lesson: it’s not just about going back to what we were, but about building a new model that integrates economic development, local well-being, and environmental care.
From local initiatives to national strategies, the path to sustainable tourism is already underway. And it’s up to all of us — travelers, governments, educators, and communities — to make it the new standard.