Tango

Oscar Cilli from Aerolineas Argentinas

Argentine Consul General Pedro Colombi, Oscar Cilli from Aerolineas Argentinas and Deputy Consul General Parblo Hartstein

Mariano Vila from Argentina Tourism

22,000 Australians have visited Argentina in the year to July, a strong jump from the 14,000 that visited the country in the whole of 2009.

Argentine Consul General Pedro Colombi credited the increase in visitors to the destination's Australian popularity and the growing number of flights between the two countries.

"If you count Qantas, LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas you now have more than two flights daily," Mr Colombi told e-Travel Blackboard.

Aerolineas Argentinas Regional Manager Oscar Cilli told e-Travel Blackboard that the airline intends to implement 4 non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, which will go up to 5 flights in high season.

"We are also planning non-stop flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires next year," he said.

At an industry gathering to promote Argentina in Sydney last night, Mr Cilli boasted the improvements Aerolineas Argentinas' new management and government ownership have brought to the airline's service and fleet, and announced a 25 per cent commission to travel agents who sell an Aerolineas Argentinas business class seat to South America.

"We used to run with a 14-20 per cent on time performance. It was in Skytrax as 'poor' because it was true, but now we are at 80-85 per cent," he said.

The airline, who interlines with Virgin Blue, "is working more confidently" and would like to take more of the market share from Qantas, Mr Cilli said.

"Aerolineas is still the cheapest," said one consultant who had earlier that day booked a flight on the airline to Argentina for her clients.

"Argentina has always been popular for us, but we have seen a change in how people are getting there.

"Before it used to be as part of a round the world ticket, but now thanks to more affordable flights, it's become a destination in its own right and people are staying there longer."

Argentina Tourism Market Coordinator Asia Pacific, Mariano Vila told e-Travel Blackboard that while Australia was a relatively new market for Argentina Tourism, it was one where he saw "opportunities for growth".

In one stage of a three pronged attack, Argentina Tourism is actively promoting the destination while working with "strategic airline partners" to lift capacity to Argentina, and ensuring the quality of the product once people arrive is up to scratch, Mr Vila said.

According to Mr Colombi, service has developed massively in Argentina, with more than 35 five star hotels in Buenos Aires that help to cater for a growing incentive market.

"From incentive amenities, to culture, history and adventure, we've basically got everything!" he said.

Click here to view photo gallery of the night