Peru: About 25,000 tourists expected to flock to La Libertad on Holy Week

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

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10:42.

 Lima, Mar. 26. Some 25,000 domestic and international tourists will arrive in Peru's Northern La Libertad as part of the observance of Holy Week, regional manager of La Libertad’s Foreign Trade and Tourism department Eduardo Azabache Alvarado informed.

“We expect 25,000 visitors; this projection is based on the fact that nearly 100% of tourist accommodation facilities are full to capacity. The growth forecast remains unchanged from last year,” he affirmed.

According to Azabache, each tourist is expected to spend on average around S/.500 (about US$163) per day for 4 days. This makes a total of S/.50,000,000 (about US$16,307,893) for the oncoming Holy Week holidays. 

The Peruvian provinces chosen by tourists on Holy Week include: Trujillo, Ascope, Pacasmayo, Chepen, Otuzco and Gran Chimu (Cascas), in this order.

Neither robberies nor assaults on tourists have been observed so far this year; however, a total of 40 police officers will be added to the Tourism Unit to reinforce security. There are only 42 agents to date.

(END) OAL/MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 26/03/2015

Machu Picchu to be explored through Google Street View

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  Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

11:33.

 Lima, Mar. 27. Google Street View will allow the world’s internet users to explore the majesty of the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu (Cusco region).

Fernado Astete said thanks to the horizontal, vertical and 360° degree views, provided by technology, the world will be able to see the details of this archaeological wonder.

"People will be able to discover Machu Picchu, its architecture, construction, design and its interior, seeing the details of every space of this citadel," declared Astete to Andina agency news.

However, it is necessary to show other Peruvian archaeological wonders, he indicated.

"There are so many places to discover, such as the Pyramids of Tucume, of the Sun and others located in the North," he expressed.

The Culture Ministry indicated a group of Google employees are already working in Peru, in order to register 91 real properties declared as Nation's Cultural Heritage.

Also included are the Sacred City of Caral, located in Lima, and Chan Chan citadel in La Libertad region.

The Ministry of Culture has provided recommendations for the execution of this project, which will allow spreading archaeological heritage through virtual tours on Google Street View.

German President visits Machu Picchu

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20:41.

 Lima, Mar. 23. Touched and impressed was the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Joachim Gauck after touring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (Cusco region).

The German Head of State arrived in the Machu Picchu Pueblo district at 09:40 AM (local time) on Monday morning.

Upon arrival, Mr. Gauck was welcomed by school students and local authorities.

The Mayor of the district, David Gayoso Garcia, declared him an “Illustrious Visitor” and granted him the “Keys to the City.”

The German Head of State saw the water fountains, the Sacred Plaza, the Main Square and The Three Window Temple, among other interesting Machu Picchu attractions.

He was accompanied by Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister, Magali Silva, and officials of Cusco’s Regional Directorate of Culture.

The Machu Picchu archaeological park’s Chief, Fernando Astete, described him as a “simple” and “kind person.”

According to Astete, Mr. Gauck highlighted the preservation and relevance of Machu Picchu in the world.

Cathedral visit

Around 2:00 PM (local time) the President returned to Cusco City.

Mr. Gauck also visited the Basilica Cathedral. There, he was given a Holy Rosary by the city's Archbishopric.

The guest was amazed by the site’s architectonic beauty. 

He also thanked Monsignor Richard Alarcon Urrutia (Cusco Archbishop) for joining him throughout the religious tour.

(END) PHS/MAO/MVB

Published: 23/03/2015

Peru present at World Tourism Fair in Paris

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

08:23.

 Lima, Mar. 24. Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Magali Silva, noted the Peruvian stand success at the Salon Mondial du Tourism (World Tourism Fair) held at Porte de Versailles Paris Exhibition Center from March 19th to 22nd.

The fair is one of the sector-leading events in France and brings together more than 500 local, international exhibitors and thousands of tourism professionals.

“The impact is very important. Over 1,000 journalists flocked to the place as part of the fair's 40th edition, and at least half of them come from abroad,” pointed out the head of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).

The event also attracted more than 100,000 potential tourists, interested in getting information and setting up their vacation trip for next summer starting in June.

The Peruvian Commercial Office in Paris, with the support of Promperu, was in charge of organizing the stand with information of the country’s main tourist destinations.

The opening showcased typical dresses, music and a sample of Peruvian gastronomy, which is gaining more European followers every day.

This was an opportunity to promote the international campaign “Peru, Land of Hidden Treasures” while featuring folkloric dances representative of different regions. 

A total of 82,026 French tourists, mostly from Paris (20.8%), visited Peru in 2014; the most visited spots were Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and Ica.

(END) JJN/JJN/RMB/MVB

Published: 24/03/2015

Peru: Foreign arrivals in Peru up by 19.5% in Jan.

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  Photo: ANDINA/Melina Mejía

14:56.

 Lima, Mar. 12. A total of 8,587 foreigners entered Peru for work purposes in January 2015.

It reflects a 19.5% expansion, if compared to the same month in 2014, informed Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI).

The foreigners, who entered Peru with valid work visas, were citizens of following countries: Colombia (20.4%), Spain (20%), Chile (11.3%), Argentina (8.5%), Brazil (6.2%), Ecuador (5%), United States (4%), Venezuela (3.9%), Bolivia (3.1%), Mexico (2.2%), Italy (1.7%), France (1.5%), UK (1.2%), Portugal (1%) and other nations (10%).

Foreign citizens arrivals

In January 2015, the arrival of the 381,595 visitors was registered by INEI.

The result represents a 16.2% increase, if compared to the same period last year.

It must be noted the amount comprises tourists, crew, diplomats and travelers, among others.

Visitors came mainly from Chile (52.9%), followed by: Ecuador (9%), Bolivia (8.5%), US (8.4%), Colombia (3.8%), Brazil (3.8%), Spain (3.4%), Argentina (2.2%), Panama (1.8%) and other countries, which account for 6.2%.

Of  those 52.3% were men and 47.7% women.

International Airport

Aliens, who arrived at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, came from: US (19.7%), Chile (10.5%), Colombia (8.4%), Argentina (7.7%), Spain (7.4%), Brazil (6.8%), Japan (3.2%), Canada (3.2%), Mexico (2.7%), France (2.5%), Germany (2.5%), Ecuador (2.1%), Italy (2.1%), South Korea (2.0%) and other countries (19%).

(END) JJN/JJN/MVB

Published: 12/03/2015

All Peruvian Diplomatic Missions to promote Gastronomy

19:15.

 Lima, Mar. 13. The 131 Peruvian diplomatic missions around the world (Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Representations) will promote Peru’s gastronomy to spread its cultural diversity, announced the spokespersons for Peru’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Thanks to the agreement subscribed with the Peruvian Society of Gastronomy (Apega), the diplomatic network will articulate the efforts of both, the public and private sector, in order to develop activities aimed at placing Peruvian cuisine on the global stage, The Deputy Minister of this portfolio, Claudio de La Puente, explained.

"The Chancellery will link gastronomy to its diplomatic demarche in order to consolidate the prestige of Peruvian gastronomy around the world. Countries like Thailand, for example, have recognized it is necessary to include gastronomy in its Foreign Policy," he told.

These statements were made during the presentation of the Global Council of Gastronomic Diplomacy.

De La Puente also indicated this action will invigorate the trade scope and turn it into a platform for the expansion of inbound tourism and the strengthening of the culture and national identity, as well.

Meanwhile, several Peruvian missions will reinforce the Peruvian-food restaurants that exist around the globe through: Workshops, conferences and seminars offered to foreign cooks, so they can discover the products and seasoning of our cuisine.

The President of the Peruvian Society of Gastronomy (Apega), Bernardo Roca Rey, recognized the creation of the Global Council is "the result of the public-private alliance formed by both institutions three years ago," precisely to turn the gastronomic promotion into a State Policy.

"It is very important the Foreign Affairs Ministry leads the promotion of our highest cultural expression, which is gastronomy. With this Global Council, we try to benefit the productive chain involved in the Peruvian cuisine, so it can be associated to quality and nutrition," he stated.

The Global Council of the Gastronomic Diplomacy is composed of: The representatives of the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, Elmer Huerta; the President of hotel chain Inkaterra, Jose Koechlin; the manager of Machu Pisco company, Melania Asher and journalist Raul Vargas.

(END) SMS/RRC/RGR/MVB

Published: 13/03/2015

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  Photo: ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

Lima 3, 4 and 5-star hotels fully booked for WBG Annual Meeting and IMF Board of Governors

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  Photo: ANDINA/archivo

17:01.

 Lima, Mar. 16. Hotel industry has benefited the most with the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be held in Lima later this year.

Three, four and five-star hotels will be fully booked during those event dates, the head of the Peruvian Association of Hotels, Restaurants and others related (Ahora Perú) Javier Hundskopf affirmed.

According to Hundskopf, hotel reservations during those dates are expected to reach the booking capacity.

The event will be held from 5 to 12 October this year.

The possibilities for booking a three, four and five-star hotels are “almost running out.”

Some 1,000 people will be arriving in Lima for the international meeting.

Therefore, the government plans to allow average citizens to rent their apartments and houses, in order to make up for the lack of lodging.

Hundskopf said the hotels association does not reject this alternative, as long as the apartments and houses fulfill the regulations established to guarantee a proper lodging service.

Peru: Quinoa production growth up by 337%

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  Photo: Cortesía

08:45.

 Lima, Mar. 16. Quinoa is still displaying an amazing growth in Peru. 
In January, the product registered an "extraordinary expansion of 337%," confirmed the Agriculture and Irrigation Minister, Juan Manuel Benites.

The head of this Ministry, explained quinoa is still the "Andean grain"of "continuous" growth.
In the first month of the year, 7,000 tones were produced.

It means a 337% growth higher than the amount registered during the same period last year.

(END) JJN/JJN/RGR/MVB

Published: 16/03/2015

Government Palace tourist attraction Sunday at noon

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  Photo: ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

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 Lima, Mar. 16. A new edition of the Changing of Riding Guard at Lima’s Government Palace took place on Sunday at noon. 
The ceremony was headed by Peru’s Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, Marcela Huaita.

During the ceremony, Huaita was accompanied by the Chief of the Military House, Peruvian Army General Edwin Patterson.

Outside the Government Palace compound, a crowd of some one-hundred-people watched the colorful show.
It featured maneuvers performed by members of the Government Palace’s Cavalry Regiment known as “Mariscal Domingo Nieto” and cadets of the Peruvian Army's School of Equestrianism.

The Riding Band, also known as the Farandola, also participated in the ceremony. Those played songs, which rhythms serve as the “company” for the horse maneuvers.

The event has become a tourist attraction on Sundays at noon at Lima’s Main Square.

(END) NDP/ASH/MVB


Published: 16/03/2015

Tourism boost for Peru

Summary

19 February 2010

The Peruvian government is cutting the price of flights and hotel rooms to help the struggling tourism industry. Recent floods cut off access to Machu Picchu, Peru's top tourist attraction.

Reporter:
Dan Collyns

Machu Picchu Inca sites in Peru

Report

The inaccessibility of Machu Picchu is costing the Peruvian tourism industry at least a million dollars a day. Some 68,000 people a month normally visit the Inca fortress.

Last month around 4,000 tourists were stranded for up to five days in a town beneath the ruins, after flash floods and mud slides damaged the railway. Since then thousands of foreign tourists have cancelled their holidays to Peru. Apart from making a four-day trek along the Inca trail, a privately-owned railway line was the only the route to or from the site.

Now domestic tourists are being offered half-price flights and hotel rooms to visit Cusco, the city nearest the world-famous Inca site. They won't be able to visit Machu Picchu but will have access to a host of other archaeological sites of Inca origin. The Peruvian government is considering making a similar offer to international visitors as the Cusco region accounts for some 90% of its tourismrevenue.

Peru's tourism minister, Martin Perez, predicted Machu Picchu, which survived the rains unscathed, will be reopened at the beginning of April.

Dan Collyns, BBC News, Lima

Over 1,200 Americans attracted to Peru each day

Over 1,200 Americans attracted to Peru each day





15:04. Lima, Mar. 06. More than 1,200 Americans visit Peru on a daily basis as a result of its tourist appeal and the increasing bilateral trade between the Andean nation and the United States, said U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Brian A. Nichols.
The Peruvian agriculture sector is quite strong as well as the service and tourism industries, given the fact that more than 1,200 Americans arrive in Peru every day,” he stated.
In this sense, the diplomat went on to add that last year a total of over 450,000 tourists came to Peru from the United States.
Mr. Nichols also recalled Barack Obama’s statements that Peru has become the world’s "envy" due to its economic growth.
On the other hand, he has come to believe that “trans-Pacific flights” will further strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

Minister Silva to lead Peru delegation at Panama’s Expocomer 2015

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  Photo: Cortesía

12:55.

 Lima, Mar. 07. Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), Magali Silva, will head to Panama city to lead the Peruvian delegation at Expocomer 2015 Panama Trade Fair taking place from March 11th to 14th.

Silva will leave for Panama on March 10 and return Peru on the 22nd.

Housing, Construction and Sanitation Minister, Milton Von Hesse, will take over the Foreign Trade and Tourism portfolio, while Silva is absent.

The government official’s trip was approved by the Presidency of the Peruvian Council of Ministers through Supreme Resolution No 060-2015-PCM, published today in the official gazette El Peruano.

Expocomer Business Center receives trade missions from Africa, America, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe interested in exploring commercial opportunities. 

More than 100 Peruvian businessmen will attend the fair to represent 60 companies in the clothing, food, manufacture, service and tourism industries.   

While in Panama, Silva will also hold a meeting with Jorge R. Arosemena, President of City of Knowledge Foundation

Nearly 200 Mochica culture art pieces showcased in Barcelona

Almost 200 art pieces from ancient Mochica from valleys in northern Peru have crossed the ocean to the Mediterranean coast, in order to take part in an exhibit introduced today at the CaixaForum Museum in Barcelona, according to AFP news agency.

Many times outshined by the Inca Empire that would take shape a few centuries later, the Mochica Culture –that flourished around 200 A.D. in the Moche River valley– will restore its position through this display due to open on Friday under the name "Arte mochica del antiguo Perú. Oro, mitos y rituales"  (Mochica Art from Ancient Peru: Gold, Myths and Rituals).

Pottery vessels, jewels, ceremonial objects made of precious metal, textiles and liturgical objects in wood, stone, shells and bone have been placed in the said museum “to feature ancient artists’ dexterity,” stated CaixaForum.

The exhibition will run through June 7 and will later move to Madrid's CaixaForum.

The pre-Colombian art works were taken from Lima's Larco Museum.

CaixaForum stressed the civilization was already present in the region long time before the development of the Incas, together with Cupisnique and Chimu cultures.

Cusco: Environmental interpreters to promote tourism in protected areas

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión 

12:41.

 Cusco, Mar. 05. Cusco city was the meeting point for more than 200 tourism professionals and tour guides offering tour services at Manu National Park, who took part in a workshop for environmental interpreters.

Organized by the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), the meeting was aimed at consolidating nature tourism development in protected natural areas of Peru as one of the strategies that best supports its conservation.

Sernanp informed that visits to Manu National Park increased by 43.95% compared to 2013 and 2014, which has contributed to the economic and social development of the most remote communities in this part of the country.

The first day of the workshop was devoted to key tourist aspects that tour guides and tourism professionals must know such as tourism management, protocols, regulations, protection of isolated indigenous communities and initial contact.   

Another aspect taken into consideration had to do with the importance of providing visitors with quality services and up-to-date information. 

This first part of the workshop allowed access to recent research studies on representative fauna carried out at Manu.

Talks were given by Sernanp experts and forest rangers from Manu and Bahuaja Sonene national parks.

During the second day, experts explained the importance and progress made in sustainable tourism in protected natural areas. 

They also presented studies on biodiversity and emblematic species of the park.

Cusco: Environmental interpreters to promote tourism in protected areas

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión 

 
 

12:41.

 Cusco, Mar. 05. Cusco city was the meeting point for more than 200 tourism professionals and tour guides offering tour services at Manu National Park, who took part in a workshop for environmental interpreters.

Organized by the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), the meeting was aimed at consolidating nature tourism development in protected natural areas of Peru as one of the strategies that best supports its conservation.

Sernanp informed that visits to Manu National Park increased by 43.95% compared to 2013 and 2014, which has contributed to the economic and social development of the most remote communities in this part of the country.

The first day of the workshop was devoted to key tourist aspects that tour guides and tourism professionals must know such as tourism management, protocols, regulations, protection of isolated indigenous communities and initial contact.   

Another aspect taken into consideration had to do with the importance of providing visitors with quality services and up-to-date information. 

This first part of the workshop allowed access to recent research studies on representative fauna carried out at Manu.

Talks were given by Sernanp experts and forest rangers from Manu and Bahuaja Sonene national parks.

During the second day, experts explained the importance and progress made in sustainable tourism in protected natural areas. 

They also presented studies on biodiversity and emblematic species of the park.

Peru named best cultural and culinary destination in South America August 11, 2014

Peru grabbed some top prizes at the World Travel Awards 2014.

(Photo: Zachary Bennett/Peru this Week)

According to El Comercio, Perú walked away from the World Travel Awards 2014 South America in Quito, Ecuador with three new trophies: best culinary destination, best cultural destination, and leading heritage destination.Peru is once again winning international awards as a travel destination due to the many diverse sites and experiences offered to tourists.

In addition to country-wide honors, a number of Peruvian businesses were awarded prizes. The JW Marriott Hotel in Lima was named South America’s Leading Hotel and Leading New Hotel. Delfines Hotel and Casino in Lima was named South America’s Leading Casino Resort, and Belmond Miraflores Park was named South America’s Leading City Hotel.

Lima was awarded the “Leading City Break Destination” prize. Quito, the host city, was named South America’s Leading Destination.

El Comercio reports that Elizabeth Astete, Peruvian ambassador in Quito, was present at the ceremony to receive the awards.

Peru to participate in ITP Berlin Travel Trade Show

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  Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán

 
 
 

11:40.

 Lima, Feb. 28. Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperu), together with national tourist companies, will take part in the ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) to be held from March 4 to 8 in Berlin, Germany.

As a Leading Travel Trade Show, ITB Berlin is one of the foremost business platforms for global touristic offers and brings together, among others, tourism associations, representatives from the press and media, and tourism professionals. 

In this sense, Peru’s participation in the show is important, as it is a great opportunity for PromPeru to position the country as a multi-thematic destination for cultural, nature and adventure tourism.

In addition, this will be a chance to the further develop the country’s tourist attractions and strengthen working ties with the main tour operators in Germany.

This closeness will allow PromPeru to provide updates on new destinations and current infrastructure, as well as the exclusive services the country has to offer.

The event will trigger joint actions to help improve business between Peruvian and German operators.