Iruya, a town located in Salta, was a trend for being part of the ranking of the “50 most beautiful towns in the world” from Conde Nast Traveler. Despite being a place requested by many travelers, many tourists had to cancel or postpone their visit to the renowned town due to the roadblocks that are taking place in Jujuy.
Roadblocks in the neighboring province directly affect tourism in Salta since access through Jujuy is the easiest way for many. The different points disabled for the passage Currently they are on routes 34, 66, 9, 40, 52, however, these cuts may vary as the days go by.
The main sectors affected by the demonstrations of the indigenous peoples on the rejection of the constitutional reform of the governor of Jujuy, Gerardo Morales, are the transport of merchandise, commerce, the daily work of citizens and the entire tourism sector (great inconvenience for the local economy since it is high season).
THE DRASTIC DECLINE OF TOURISM IN IRUYA, SALTA
The president of the Chamber of Tourism in Iruya, Fernanda Alcoba, highlighted her concern due to the approaching vacation season: “We are in a really worrying situation, I dare say that it is a pandemic situation. The reservations began to be cancelled, there are no reservations in the town”.
The director clarified that in all of Iruya there are 300 places, between hotels, family homes and lodgings. Currently they are almost empty and losing much of the essential economic activity for the town.
“You have to put yourself in the place of tourists who come to enjoy themselves and don’t have to be stopped on the road.”
Fernando Alcoba.
The town of Iruya has so far lost 55% in sales and service reserves, which it was believed would increase at this stage of the winter recess, after having been cataloged as one of the most beautiful towns in the world.
“We want the routes to be released, we want to work, it is a legal activity. We went from receiving 3 or 4 buses with tourists to not receiving anything”.
Fernando Alcoba.