Uruguay Takes Steps Toward Tender for Hotel Casino Carmelo

Uruguay.– January 29, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism has announced that it will soon relaunch the tender process for the Hotel Casino Carmelo, a landmark hospitality and gaming asset in the Colonia region that has been mired in uncertainty and stalled for several years.

Overview

The government will begin the public bidding cycle with the issuance of the call for proposals for the Hotel Parador Punta Gorda at the end of February, followed by the approval of the Hotel Casino Carmelo tender documentation in March. This signals a renewed effort to attract private investment and operational expertise to revive the long-delayed project.

After previous attempts that failed to draw sufficient interest and explored alternative uses for the building, authorities have decided to return to the conventional tender route, hoping to secure a robust proposal for this strategically located tourism and gaming complex.

Details / Context

The forthcoming tender will require interested parties to demonstrate financial strength, industry experience and a comprehensive business plan capable of restoring the property and potentially operating a casino under Uruguay’s regulatory framework.

Throughout 2025, various non-gaming alternatives were considered for the site, including social or educational uses; however, none gained traction, reinforcing the decision to move forward with an open tender as the primary path to reinvigoration.

Specific topics

The Hotel Casino Carmelo has been a subject of national interest, with earlier discussions on its future even reaching Parliament amid failed bids. The current announcement reflects a broader public strategy to resolve the long-standing indecision around the asset’s future and to integrate it into broader tourism development plans.

Prospective investors face the dual challenge of significant capital deployment and aligning the project with regional tourism objectives, a key consideration that the Ministry of Tourism expects from successful bidders.

Future outlook

With the tender documentation slated for approval in March 2026, the process enters a decisive stage that could ultimately revitalize the Hotel Casino Carmelo, attract new investment, enhance regional tourism infrastructure and generate employment, all within Uruguay’s legal and regulatory environment.

🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com