The ‘Land of Silver’ is fast becoming one of the most popular places to visit in the world. Boasting a rise from an economic slump and incredible expressions of South American dance, music and culture, staying in Argentinian serviced accommodation is growing in popularity amongst business travellers.
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, sharing borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. The country is the eighth largest, consisting of over one million square miles of land and a 3,100-mile coastline. The land divides into five regions; the humid Rainforest, the dry Gran Chaco plain, the Pampas grasslands, the windswept plateau of Patagonia and the Andes Mountain range. With such a significant colonial area in the country’s history, it is estimated that around 85% of the forty-four million citizens identify as European descendants. This makes European tourism to Argentina popular, particularly to the cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires.
Despite centuries of native control, the Spaniards took control and established their first colony in modern-day Buenos Aires in 1580. However, the Argentinian born colonists of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, led by General José de San Martín, eventually declared formal independence in 1816. The following twentieth century saw significant events. This included leadership from Juan Peron, the ‘Dirty War’ of the 1980s and the Falklands War failure of 1982. The years of the Kircher presidencies, however, saw a turnaround. Nestor Kirchner created economic independence, paying off its entire national debt, reducing unemployment significantly and devaluing the currency (Peso) to allow exports to boom in value. After years of corruption and political instability, twenty-first century leadership has seen modern-day Argentina resurrect its economic powerhouse status.
Argentina has one of the largest Latin American economies, boasting vast energy and agricultural resources, assisted by substantial fertile land. The industrial sector is the second largest in South America, supported by a strong manufacturing sector, with over one-fourth of workers employed in manufacturing. Social spending has been a priority, causing national poverty reduction, increasing incomes and fulfilment of great renewable energy potential. Open trade strategy has also been achieved by MERCOSUR membership. Argentina's inclusion grants access to easy inter-membership trade and increasing potential for future trade agreements.
The government also has an initiative for encouraging prosperous foreign investment. Hosting the World Trade Organisation and G20 summits highlight this aim. The government happily opens doors for foreign investment with expertise in less-performing areas too. The profitable business environment consists of a highly educated, affordable labour force, reduced corporate taxes in many business sectors and a constantly growing tourism industry. The creation of the Argentinian Simplified Shares Company (SAS) has also been a massive contributor towards enabling easy foreign investment. With an already sound base, and potential for progression, Argentina’s economy invites foreign investment and the creation of serviced accommodation.
Although living in Argentina can be quite cheap, and the US dollar is accepted in the majority of establishments, its worth having some of the national currency to hand. The Peso (ARS) has note denominations ranging from two to one thousand, and to keep track of your exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.
The residents of most countries in North America, Europe, Australasia and South America can visit Argentina visa-free. There are eighty-seven countries altogether who are visa exempt for up to ninety days. These visas are also valid for an extension, costing no more than £13. It is worth visiting the website of your nation's Argentinian embassy before your trip for visa requirement clarifications.
On the whole, Argentinian society is flexible and has grown to accommodate foreign tourism and business. Like visiting any foreign country though, it is important to respect the culture, avoid dangerous scenarios and prioritise your own safety. We only recommend that you if stay in corporate accommodation in major cities, prepare to face a busy, hectic environment.
Some say driving is an integral part of Argentinian travel, with some areas only accessible by private vehicle. The government has realised that exploring diverse regions by car is popular. Therefore, the Argentinian roads have undergone maintenance and improvements in recent times. Particularly popular for travellers is the scenic Ruta Nacional 40, the longest national road which stretches from the north to the southern border. All that is really worth considering is whether you require an International Driving Permit (most likely not). Alternatively, you could pay the relatively cheap taxi fares, purchasable with euros and US dollars. Buenos Aires is one of the easiest places worldwide to get a taxi.
Two stand-out attractions worth mentioning are the World Heritage Sites Iguazú Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier. The falls lie along the Argentina-Brazil border and contain at least 150 individual smaller falls. This site is easily accessible via walkways and viewing platforms, including entry to the famous Devil’s Throat at the falls' bottom. The mini town of El Calafate is the go-to place for travellers visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. This ice structure stretches over thirty kilometres and is the world’s third largest freshwater reserve. After taking advantage of the El Calafate amenities, why not take on the ice-trekking tour along the glacier for the best experience of this World Heritage Site.
Serviced city apartments are most concentrated in Buenos Aires though, and it comes as no surprise. The capital encapsulates the fundamental nature of Argentina, combining fantastic business infrastructure with fabulous remnants of the past. The Plaza de Mayo showcases these qualities and has been the main stage for national events and festivities. Old colonial buildings are common here, including landmarks such as Casa Rosada and Avenida de Mayo. If you find yourself wanting to get away from the bustle and high-energy atmosphere, it is worth visiting Palermo. The area contains Jardin Botanico, a tranquil botanic garden including several lakes, and plenty of green space. Palermo is a popular recreational, get-away spot from busy business lifestyle.
Whether you wish to appreciate Argentina for its landmark attractions, business capital or both, Situ has corporate accommodation to suit any needs.
This airport is one of two to serve Buenos Aires. Jorge Newbury serves one-third of Argentine air travel and is the largest handler of domestic flights through Argentina. Located in Palermo, the airport is only three kilometres outside Buenos Aires.
Equally significant is Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport. Whilst serving less domestic flights compared to AEP, this airport handles nine million passengers each year and 70% of the country’s international air traffic.
Argentina’s railway network is the eight largest in the world, even after a great period of decline. After being prosperous around World War Two, highway construction led to the railway decline. However, nowadays the railway network is on course for revival.
Train services are most concentrated in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. Two very popular train routes are the La Trochita and Tren a las Nubes.
The capital is the only city in Argentina with a metro system. It is the best way to travel around the capital, consisting of six lines serving over one million passengers each day.
Argentina’s bus services have a great reputation among foreign travellers. They are famed for their variety, frequency and fair prices.
‘Micros’ are the long-distance buses and are fantastic enablers of long-term travel across Argentina.
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