From a Barren Landscape to the Jewel: Narratives about the Transformation of Punta del Este, Uruguay, from the Perspective of Long Time Residents of the Beach Resort

Abstract

Punta del Este is a beach resort knows as a tourist destination associated with luxury and exclusivity. The progressive tourist and real estate development from the 70s, has changed its landscape and the daily life of the locals. This situation has mobilized different groups in favor of the preservation of certain places. In this essay, the perception of the oldest residents, in relation to the transformation occurred in this beach town and the places valued by them, will be presented in a general way. This research is the result of the project of Identification and Registration of Cultural Goods of the Peninsula of Punta del Este, which has been developed since 2016 by the Tourist Studies Area of the Centro Universitario Regional Este (CURE) and the Commission of Culture and Heritage of the Municipality of Punta del Este. The bibliographic review and the analysis of the twenty one interviews, conducted with thirteen oldest residents, made possible, on one hand, the delimitation of periods in the history of tourism, marked by events and actions and on the other hand, the identification of places considered important for the locals, given their uses and meanings.