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June 28, 2026

Located between Brazil and Argentina and bordered by the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay is one of the most attractive and strategically positioned destinations in South America.

Although it is one of the continent’s smallest countries, it has successfully built an international reputation based on institutional stability, high-quality infrastructure, safety, and a strong tourism vocation.

Its privileged geographical location makes it a natural hub for regional cruise traffic. The ports of Montevideo and Punta del Este serve as key ports of call for cruise lines operating between Brazil, Argentina, Patagonia, and the South Atlantic.

Within this context, the Regional Cruise and River Nautical Tourism Meetings have emerged as one of the most important platforms for dialogue and cooperation among tourism authorities, port administrations, cruise companies, tour operators, and industry experts from across South America and beyond over the past decade.

Promoted by Uruguay, the Regional Cruise and River Nautical Tourism Meetings aim to foster the development of maritime and river tourism, encourage the creation of new regional itineraries, and promote investment, technical cooperation, and the exchange of knowledge and experience among stakeholders throughout the sector. The events are jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, the National Ports Administration (ANP), and the departmental governments of Montevideo, Maldonado, and Colonia.

Over the years, the meetings have welcomed representatives from leading international cruise companies, including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, as well as delegations from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Mexico, and the United States. These gatherings have helped strengthen regional partnerships, enhance destination competitiveness, and consolidate the Southern Cone’s position as an increasingly coordinated and attractive cruise tourism region.

Widely regarded as the capital of Uruguayan seaside tourism, Punta del Este is one of South America’s most prestigious destinations. Located at the meeting point of the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, it is renowned for its beaches, marinas, luxury resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. Thanks to its strategic location and well-developed nautical infrastructure, it is also one of the region’s leading cruise ports of call. The first Regional Meeting was held in Punta del Este on November 22, 2013, marking the launch of this regional coordination platform.

The program featured presentations by cruise companies focusing on market trends, passenger loyalty strategies, and opportunities to increase cruise calls at South American ports. The Getulio Vargas Foundation also presented an economic study examining the impact of cruise tourism on destinations. Roundtable discussions addressed issues related to port infrastructure, investment opportunities, and the economic benefits generated by cruise tourism for port cities.

On September 25 and 26, 2014, Colonia del Sacramento hosted the Second Regional Cruise and River Nautical Tourism Meeting. The event brought together national authorities, port administrations, cruise companies, and tourism operators to analyze the growth potential of cruise and nautical tourism throughout the region. Topics discussed included international experiences in river cruising, Uruguay’s National Nautical Tourism Plan, and feasibility studies for new port infrastructure projects.

Nestled on the shores of the Río de la Plata, directly across from Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento is one of Latin America’s most charming cities. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it boasts a beautifully preserved historic quarter that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

As Uruguay’s capital and principal economic center, Montevideo is home to the country’s largest port and one of the Southern Cone’s most important logistics hubs. Overlooking the Río de la Plata, the city combines elegant historic neighborhoods, a vibrant cultural scene, and modern port facilities, making it one of the leading cruise destinations in the South Atlantic.

On August 20, 2015, Montevideo hosted a new edition of the Regional Meeting. The discussions focused on the evolution of the cruise sector and strategies to support its continued growth. Technical sessions addressed issues related to passenger embarkation procedures, transit operations, provisioning services, terminal investments, and future opportunities for the development of nautical and river tourism.

In October 2016, Punta del Este once again hosted the event, further strengthening its position as one of Uruguay’s leading tourism and conference destinations. The agenda included presentations on maritime and river destinations throughout the Southern Cone, as well as opportunities for the development of regional ports. Participants included representatives from Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile, together with executives from major international cruise companies. During the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministry of Tourism, the National Ports Administration, and CLIA Abremar Brazil, aimed at strengthening technical cooperation and the joint promotion of the sector.

On October 5 and 6, 2017, Colonia del Sacramento once again became the meeting point for tourism authorities, port representatives, cruise companies, and regional tourism operators. The discussions focused on initiatives aimed at enhancing regional and river cruise tourism, as well as on investment opportunities and the development of new destinations across South America.

On October 18 and 19, 2018, Montevideo hosted the Sixth Regional Meeting, during which the 2018–2019 cruise season was officially launched. Topics addressed included river navigation conditions, the development of new nautical destinations, the challenges faced by established destinations, and strategies to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. Participants also discussed the creation of strategic partnerships and the joint promotion of Southern Cone cruise itineraries.

On September 19 and 20, 2019, Punta del Este hosted the seventh edition of the event. The meeting was dedicated to consolidating regional thematic cruise routes, strengthening river nautical tourism, and promoting the South American cruise industry through coordinated efforts.

Following the interruption caused by the pandemic, the meeting returned to Colonia del Sacramento on October 13 and 14, 2022. Participants examined prospects for the recovery of regional tourism and port activities, discussing opportunities for the development of river nautical tourism, sustainability initiatives, port management models, and international cooperation strategies.

In the heart of the Uruguayan capital, between the prestigious Presidential Hall and the historic Solís Theatre—one of the country’s foremost cultural landmarks—a new edition of the Regional Meeting took place on August 17 and 18, 2023. Discussions focused on the analysis of the cruise season, the growth of nautical tourism, the development of new river destinations, and the employment opportunities generated by the sector.

The tenth-anniversary edition was held on August 1 and 2, 2024, in Punta del Este, a destination that continues to serve as one of Uruguay’s leading tourism showcases on the international stage. The meeting focused on sustainability, innovation, and the growth prospects of the regional cruise industry.

Among the topics discussed were the development of river and Antarctic cruises, sustainability policies, the diversification of nautical tourism offerings, destination accessibility, and emerging forms of experiential tourism, including wine tourism and olive oil tourism. The meeting concluded with a call to strengthen cooperation among South American countries in order to enhance the competitiveness of the sector.

The next edition will take place on August 6 and 7, 2026, in Punta del Este. The event will bring together representatives from both the public and private sectors involved in cruise tourism, with the objective of fostering dialogue and the exchange of experiences regarding the challenges facing the industry in an increasingly complex international environment. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to identify shared strategies capable of supporting the sustainable, resilient, and competitive development of cruise tourism throughout the region.

Over the past decade, the Regional Cruise and River Nautical Tourism Meetings have established themselves as a strategic platform for the development of maritime and river tourism, the promotion of regional cooperation, and the strengthening of Uruguay’s role within the Southern Cone cruise industry. Through their successive editions, the meetings have encouraged the creation of new itineraries, stimulated investment, promoted the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and contributed to positioning regional destinations as models of sustainable, integrated, and competitive tourism.

Cruise tourism generates significant economic benefits for destinations by creating demand across a wide range of sectors, including gastronomy, excursions, transportation, museums, cultural attractions, wineries, and other tourism-related services. This economic impact encourages cities, ports, and tourism stakeholders to work together to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of their destinations.

Furthermore, the firsthand knowledge of destinations, tourism offerings, and port infrastructure acquired by cruise operators through these meetings has played a significant role in increasing cruise traffic to Uruguay and in encouraging the deployment of additional cruise vessels to the country.

Thanks to its strategic geographical location, the quality of its port infrastructure, and its ability to foster synergies between public institutions and private-sector stakeholders, Uruguay continues to strengthen its position as a South American cruise hub, reaffirming its role as a key reference point for the development of maritime and river tourism throughout the region.

Don’t miss the latest cruise news, updates, and reviews on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and the best cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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