Argentine tourism endures $100 million losses from Puyehue

Argentina has felt the greatest impact from the Chilean volcano, Puyehue, as the largest portion of ash has fallen in southwest cities and provinces in the country, according to df.cl. The tourism industry in the area has been hit the hardest and tourism operators in places like Bariloche estimate a loss of $100 million of tourism revenue for June. 80% of 3 to 5 star hotels have closed because so many people are canceling reservations and asking for refunds. Closures of airports in Bariloche, a huge tourist area in the winter, and San Martín de los Andes have greatly affected tourism in the area. Moreover, the government has declared an agricultural emergency in Río Negro, Chubut and Neuquén due to large amounts of ash on livestock pastures and crop land. Three thousand farmers have been affected and 300 thousand sheep are suffering from a lack of food. Tourism in Chile, Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand have also been affected due to flight cancellations.
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