Title: Argentina‘s Tourism Chief Proposes Delaying School Start to Boost Local Vacations
In a move aimed at bolstering domestic tourism, Argentina’s Secretary of Tourism, Ambiente, and Deportes, Daniel Scioli, has suggested delaying the start of the school year in Buenos Aires until after the Carnival holiday.
Scioli, who served as an Argentine Vice President and presidential candidate, believes this change would allow more city residents to extend their summer vacations along the Atlantic coast. In an interview with Radio La Red from Mar del Plata, he stressed, "It’s common sense" to consider this solution.
Currently, schools in Buenos Aires City are set to begin classes on February 24 (initial and primary levels) and March 5 (secondary levels), with Carnival holidays falling on March 3 and 4. The proposal from the national government is to start the school year for all levels after these holidays.
Scioli confirmed that he had spoken with Buenos Aires City’s Tourism Secretary, Valentín Díaz Gilligan, about this concern and that Gilligan would discuss it with the city’s Chief of Government.
Scioli further insisted that postposing the school start date is not about prioritizing tourism over education. "On the contrary, it’s about integrating both aspects," he said. He also praised the Province of Buenos Aires for implementing a similar measure.
However, when asked about his own political ambitions ahead of this year’s legislative elections, Scioli remained elusive. He chose to focus on his current role as Secretary of Tourism, stating, "My responsibility is to this [position], working to do the best I can."
He did comment on the perception that political figures only work hard if they’re aiming for a candidacy, saying, "I aspire to bring more tourists [to Argentina], to help realize the dreams of our athletes."
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