In recent years, Mar del Plata has consolidated itself as one of the main centers of attraction for youth tourism on the Atlantic coast, thanks to the development of the entertainment corridor in the Playa Grande area. This area offers nightclubs, bars, terraces, and beachside venues with electronic parties and after-beach events. The city has gained prominence in a segment that was historically centered in Villa Gesell but has experienced a marked decline in the influx of young visitors in recent years. A turning point occurred after the murder of Fernando Baez Sosa in January 2020, which led to stricter controls and nighttime restrictions in Villa Gesell. Meanwhile, Mar del Plata strengthened its entertainment offerings, particularly in the Playa Grande district, which now functions as an integrated recreational area featuring high-profile clubs, guest DJs, gastronomic proposals, and outdoor spaces for youth tourism. The concentration of options, combined with proximity to hotels and temporary rentals, has transformed the sector into an organized nightlife hub with security operations, traffic control, and coordinated transportation during peak hours. Business leaders in the sector state that Mar del Plata has managed to attract youth groups that previously chose other coastal destinations for their party atmosphere, but now prioritize infrastructure, connectivity, services, and a variety of offerings within the same perimeter. In addition to Playa Grande, youth tourism is distributed throughout various parts of the city: the Güemes area with breweries, bars, and restaurants; the center and coast with gastronomic offerings and nighttime strolls; southern beach clubs with daytime activities and musical proposals; and cultural events and seasonal festivals. The city has also expanded its recreational ecosystem with theatrical shows and massive events, electronic parties and music cycles, as well as outdoor activities and sports. This scheme allows the youth tourism experience to depend not only on nightlife but to combine beach, leisure, culture, and gastronomy. While Villa Gesell redefines its profile with a greater emphasis on family and tranquil tourism, Mar del Plata is capitalizing on a strategy based on a diversified offering, better infrastructure, controlled circuits, and a strong presence of brands and production companies. The result is a shift in the youth flow towards Playa Grande as the new point of reference for the summer season.
