Uruguay is expanding benefits for visitors to the country during the 2027 summer season

Uruguay presented new measures to facilitate the arrival of tourists during the 2027 summer season. The proposal combines the extension of tax benefits for non-resident visitors with incentives aimed at expanding international air connectivity.

The announcements were made by Tourism Minister Pablo Menoni during a luncheon hosted by the Association of Marketing Executives (ADM), where he presented the country’s main priorities for the upcoming season.

One of the key benefits will be a full VAT exemption for non-resident tourists on dining services, car rentals without a driver, and services for parties and events. The measure will remain in effect throughout the season and represents an estimated tax revenue loss of US$14 million.

Uruguay will also launch the International Air Connectivity Incentive Program, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of foreign tourists, expanding flight options, and promoting the addition of new routes to the country.

To implement the program, the Ministry of Tourism and Airports of Uruguay established a joint fund of up to US$2.5 million annually. Domestic or foreign airlines that operate regular international services and increase the number of tourists transported to Uruguay will be eligible for the incentives.

The program also provides specific support for airlines that introduce international routes that have not been operated regularly during the previous 12 months. The new routes must have established and published schedules and operate for at least six consecutive months per year. The program will initially be in effect for one year and may be automatically extended for up to a maximum of four years.

A greater number of flights and more frequent service can facilitate access to the country, reduce travel times and costs, and provide more options for visitors. It can also help spread tourism activity throughout the year and encourage more travelers to visit different parts of the country.

At the same time, the tourism promotion strategy targets regional markets—with a greater presence in southern Brazil and western Argentina—as well as destinations outside the region, such as Miami, New York, Barcelona, and Madrid, in addition to other markets in Europe and Asia.

These measures are part of an agenda that combines promotion, connectivity, incentives, and investment to attract more visitors, open Uruguay up to new markets, and strengthen tourism as a strategic sector for the country’s development.