Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that a private proposal to redevelop the former Hotel Casino Carmelo is under review by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The property has remained without a defined future following previous unsuccessful attempts to attract investors.
According to tourism authorities, the initiative includes a casino operation component and a hotel project. Because it also contemplates the possible sale of the state-owned property, the file has been referred to the Ministry of Economy and Finance for evaluation.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the investor, the amount of the proposed investment or details regarding the project's operational model. The ministry said the information will remain confidential while the administrative process is ongoing.
The former Hotel Casino Carmelo has remained closed for years despite government efforts to reactivate the site through public tender processes. The latest proposal emerged as a private initiative, creating a new avenue for the property's potential redevelopment.
Cristian Pos, National Director of Tourism, said: "The private initiative continues under analysis, and if that negotiation does not move forward, we will probably advance toward a new tender with fewer requirements."
As the evaluation continues, the Ministry of Tourism has announced measures to secure the vacant property. The building will be boarded up and equipped with surveillance cameras, although no permanent on-site personnel will be assigned.
The outcome of the review process will determine the next steps for the venue. Tourism officials have stated that, should the private initiative fail to advance, the government may pursue a new tender with less demanding requirements than previous processes.
Uruguay's land-based casino sector operates under a state-controlled framework administered by the Dirección General de Casinos, which falls under the Ministry of Economy and Finance
