Through a 2008 proposal by government supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Tourism Conglomerate of Montevideo has begun to carry out a strategic plan to foment tourism activities in the Uruguayan capital.

This initiative includes the Ministry of Tourism, the municipality of Montevideo and the Development Projects Bureau. The IDB is putting up USD 500,000 a year to support tourism activities. Public-private partnerships will also offer support.

Improved signs for tourists are already being developed and promoters say fairgrounds and a conference center should be created to attend to rising demand. The project also seeks to create awareness among Montevideo residents that their city is a true tourist attraction to be exploited.

(El Espectador, 13 August 2009)