Peru named best cultural destinations in China

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Peru won the title of Best Cultural Tourism Destination in 2017, within the framework of the annual National Tourism Award ceremony held in Beijing, Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur) informed on Wednesday.

Said recognition was granted by Tourism Media —one of the most influential Chinese media outlets in the tourist field— in recognition of the growing interest Peruvian Culture arouses among Chinese tourists.

According to Mincetur, this award is the outcome of articulated efforts by Peru's Trade Offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong), the Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru), and the Embassy based in the Asian giant.

In this sense, more travel agencies, specialized media, and tourism organizations in Beijing have been able to get information about diverse Peruvian tourist attractions.

These promotion activities include business rounds with Peruvian luxury travel agencies and training sessions involving the main agencies from northern China.

On its part, PromPeru launched its official content on Chinese social media, as well as a website exclusively developed to expand its digital marketing strategy.

Peru to welcome 4.36 million tourists in 2017

Perú to welcome 4.36 million tourists in 2017

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 Lima, Nov. 25. Peru expects to host 4.36 million foreign tourists next year, Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister (Mincetur) Eduardo Ferreyros projected.

Said forecast is close to the country’s target of 7 million visitors by 2021. 

“By 2017, we will reach up to 4.36 international travelers and we will on the right track to achieve the target set to host 7 million by 2021,” Ferreyros stated.

The high-ranking official went on to add tourism is the country’s third largest source of foreign currency, after mining and agriculture, although the main source of dollars for the services sector. 

“We have created competitive funds and the Turismo Emprende program to develop tourism; the latter is a project worth S/10 million [around US$2.92 million] aimed at boosting operations of micro and small tourism enterprises,” Mincetur’s head affirmed.

“Also in 2017, we will push forward the Single Window of Tourism, [a program] that seeks to articulate processes like permits, certifications, licenses and other authorizations in a single platform […],” he added.

Tumbes city to offer dishes at food festival

11:08.

 Lima, Oct. 30. The 12th edition of “Peru mucho gusto” Food Festival will offer over 50 dishes from 16 Peruvian regions, Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) announced. 

Held in Tumbes city (Peru’s northern Tumbes region) on November 4-6, the food fair will gather the best restaurants, traditional eateries, pastry shops and bars, distributed over 34 stands.

"Peru Mucho Gusto food festival will be hosted by Tumbes for the second time. The fair is part of PromPeru’s strategy to promote inter-regional and frontier tourism, this time with our neighboring nation Ecuador," PromPeru Tourism Promotion Director Marisol Acosta highlighted.

"The fair also seeks to generate tourist flow in these three days. This will contribute to dynamizing local economy, integrating regions and spreading knowledge about other Peruvian destinations," she added.

Peru Mucho Gusto’s 12th edition will be held at Alberto Terranova sports center in Tumbes city.

It is expected to welcome 17,000 attendees. Nearly 10% of said visitors are expected to come from Ecuador, according to PromPeru.

Entry to the food festival is free by presenting an identity card and three recyclable plastic bottles.

Samples of the different regional dishes will cost between US$2.00 (small portion) and US$4.00 (big portion).

http://www.abroadtrekkers.net

Assessments underway to add direct int'l flights to cities other than Lima

13:37.

 Lima, Oct. 11. Assessments are underway to increase direct flights bound for different Peruvian regions so foreign tourists visiting the Inca nation do not necessarily have to stop in Lima, Peru's Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Eduardo Ferreyros affirmed.

To this end, the government official will meet with Copa Airlines executives today. “Certain airlines have already implemented Bogota-Cusco and Panama-Chiclayo (Lambayeque region) flights,” he said.

Likewise, the Minister stressed the need for more flights bound for said cities, as well as other destinations. In this respect, meetings with airlines to implement these kind of internal flights are underway.

“We've held dialogues to learn about flight break-even points or the number of passengers required to increase an airline's profitability. That's where we'll see if PromPeru (Peru's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board) can contribute with advertising and, eventually, with economic support to make those routes more cost-effective,” he explained.

Jorge Chavez Airport 2nd runway

On the other hand, the Tourism head noted studies are underway to assess the possibility of using other spaces until Jorge Chavez International Airport's 2nd runway is completed. 

“It is not simply a matter of waiting; we need to work on the new Jorge Chavez International Airport's terminal. In this sense, we are assessing the possibility of using existing spaces in Las Palmas (Air Base), as well as those in Air Group No. 8,” he said.

China Eastern 

Ferreyros also announced the first cargo-loaded China Eastern aircraft is expected to arrive in Peru on November 21.  He added the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry can promote Peru as a tourist destination in the Asian Giant through airline campaigns in three major cities: Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, Peru's Chinese feeder cities.

Likewise, the Minister referred to southern Tacna and northern Tumbes regions as two key areas to achieve the country's foreign affairs and tourism goals. “Border tourism is fundamental to achieving our goals,” he expressed.

Peru's Mistura brand to travel the world next year

16:51.

 Lima, Sep. 1. The most important culinary festival in Latin America, Mistura, will travel the world next year, once the franchise process has been completed, Apega Chairman Bernardo Roca Rey said in its opening in the presence of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

“Mistura turns international this year, with the participation of Mexican, Indian, Thai, Moroccan, Indonesian and Japanese cuisines, but we need to form an alliance to bring our gastronomy, our products and Mistura itself to other countries; that is why we will franchise Mistura this year, so that it can travel the world in 2017,” he said.

According to Roca Rey, there is no doubt Mistura has become the largest [food] fair in Latin America. “But we aim to turn it, with the support of the government, into a world class fair on gastronomy, culture and biodiversity.”

To achieve such goals, we need to coordinate actions with different sectors, such as foreign trade, agriculture, production, culture, foreign affairs, among others. “Apega believes the State is responsible for introducing gastronomy oriented politics, just as Mexico or Thailand did.”

Apega proposed the new government to boost gastronomy as part of a cross-development agenda. “We also suggested various ways to strengthen management capacity and service quality of food-related businesses, train intermediate technical personnel in cooking and service within popular sectors, promote technological innovation, enhance agricultural chains, among other measures.”

Apega’s official said Mistura will have its own fairground in the future, thanks to public-private efforts. This way, you don’t have to take down the entire fair, considering it took 10 days to build.

Finally, he assured gastronomy is called to play a key role in the Bicentennial of Peru’s Independence, as it is a crucial element of identity, culture, national pride, social cohesion, and contribution to the country’s equitable economic growth.

“We are keen to work hand-in-hand with you Mr. President,” he said after noting the gastronomic boom has just begun.

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski opened the 2016 food festival in the presence of cooks, culinary experts, attendees and foodies.

Peru: Over 1.8 million tourists to visit natural protected areas in 2016

13:48.

 Lima, Jun. 2. Peru's well-preserved natural protected areas have enabled the country to exceed expectations on sustainable tourism, the State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) announced.

At the beginning of the year, 2016's goal stood at 600,000 visitors. Following considerations, the figure was increased to 1,800,000.

In this sense, Sernanp Head Pedro Gamboa affirmed that tourism growth "is due to" the strategy implemented nationwide.

Such strategy "is the result of proper conservation management and basic, as well as infrastructure services enhancement witnessed across the areas."

The measure has been recognized by entrepreneurs and thus generated confidence among them to "make new investments in the country."

Commercialization

On the other hand, Gamboa explained that population's active participation and engagement has led to good results over the last four and a half years. 

 

"130,000 people have found a socio-economic development opportunity in natural protected areas, leading to income worth S/320 million (about 96.96 million) [...]," the official explained.

Peru, Malaga pursue cooperation on tourism, gastronomy and investment issues

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13:03.

 Lima, May. 12. Peru’s Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva informed the Government of Peru and Malaga (Spain) authorities will work on issues like tourist development, gastronomy and investment.

Silva met with Malaga's County Council's President Elias Bendodo in a World Tourism Organization annual meeting to exchange experiences and learn about the Malaga tourism model, as well as investment and export positioning strategies.

She noted the fact that “Peru has been working actively to turn tourism into a source of employment and income for the country, as we are willing to learn from Malaga and Costa del Sol experiences, mainly from the successful tourism promotion model that makes them one of the main international actors.”

The government official claimed there is much to do to develop the Pacific Coast and, as a result of this meeting, “we believe Costa del Sol investors will eventually think of Peru and bring their expertise here.”

Malaga drew more than 11 million visitors in 2015, with its tourism industry contributing nearly €6 billion to the province economy. 

Meanwhile, Peru has been positioning the investment and hotel real estate sector.

Another area of interest for Peru is Malaga County Council's successful experience in creating the brand “Sabor a Malaga.” 

According to Bendodo, Malaga authorities have kept track of Peru over the past years, and witnessed its transformation into an attractive opportunity for tourism, investment and exports.

(END) CNA/JJN/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/12/2016

Food tourism forum contributions pave the way for future success

17:23.

 Lima, Apr. 30. Ideas and contributions emerging from the 2nd UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism have sown the seed to empower tourism industry in our country, but it will germinate only if Peruvians prove perseverance, Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva affirmed.

Inbound tourism has increased over the past five years and by the end of this presidential term it will have expanded more than 43%; as for gastronomic trips, we have gone from 8% to 20% in the same period, according to Promperu.

“Peruvian gastronomy has benefited the less favored actors across the value chain; for this reason, the combination between tourism and gastronomy poses many challenges for us to meet, and I’m sure we will,” she pointed out.

She said the country needs more roads, ports, airports and rural paths to link those communities with markets without losing their essence, “by introducing them with a fair value for the product or service they provide or intend to offer.”

“To us and the world, gastronomic tourism is a social inclusion tool, an instrument capable of incorporating all the country’s isolated sectors, with which tourism and gastronomy have already involved to overcome poverty,” she added.

Peru: Thousands of tourists to arrive in Ica thanks to brand-new Pisco Int'l Airport

17:19.

 Pisco (Ica region), Mar. 31. The modern Pisco International Airport will serve as platform for bringing thousands of tourists into the region and generate huge benefits to diverse sectors and residents, Ica Region Governor Fernando Cilloniz affirmed.

"Entrepreneurs and tourists from all over the world will arrive here. The airport's level of excellence competes with the world's very best. It's a privilege to have received this central government-promoted investment," the official indicated. 

According to the governor, public-private infrastructure developed in Ica —above all in the city of Paracas— will contribute to a greater number of arrivals at the region's top destinations as well.

Cilloniz participated in the official ceremony marking the inauguration of the modern Pisco International Airport. 

Corresponding construction entailed an investment of S/150 million (about US$44.38 million).

The project comprises a passenger terminal and complementary areas, a cargo terminal, a service and office building, a platform for aircrafts, a vehicular traffic area, a perimeter fence and new equipment.

Peru: Thousands celebrate Cusco's Kacharpari Carnival

Peru: Thousands celebrate Cusco's Kacharpari Carnival

14:04.

 Lima, Feb. 15. By dancing to the beat of typical and colorful music under bright sunshine, Cusco's people celebrated the great Kacharpari carnival on Sunday.

The festivity was inaugurated by Cusco residents at the city's Main Square during the morning. The parade saw citizens wearing traditional costumes, who marched across streets and avenues.

Over 20 delegations from several private and public institutions, as well as civil society participated in this cultural event.

Thousands of locals and tourists also took part in the festive activities by becoming witnesses of the amazing performances and decorative scenarios. 

Dances —such as Wallatas, Tupay, Wallata Salkaqocha or even Cusco's Carnival— amazed members of the jury, who assessed punctuality, attitudes, choreographies, costumes and quality displayed during the contest. 

Cusco's Municipal Company of Festivities (Emufec) Director Oscar Alzamora indicated that the city lived carnival celebrations to the full.

Likewise, he stressed that residents revalue their traditions and customs by performing a wide variety of typical dances.

 

Immersed in a joyful environment, domestic and foreign tourists did not stay immune to any of these cultural activities. They also enjoyed and danced to the rhythm of carnival music. 

Caral surprises the world for advanced knowledge and technology

09:33.

 Lima, Jan. 12. The global scientific community is still surprised by the advanced knowledge ancient Peruvian civilization of Caral had gained of agronomy, climatology, engineering, medicine and other sciences 5,000 years ago, researcher Ruth Shady pointed out.

Laboratories were set up to draw up agricultural schedules and forecast climate events —she said— which allowed them to determine the beginning and end of planting and harvesting seasons, as well as the changes in nature to adjust to them.

“As for energy exploitation and fluid mechanics, Caral took advantage of the wind, now known as the Venturi Effect, by channeling it through underground ducts in order to achieve high temperatures through bonfires,” he noted.

As U.S. physicians assessed the knowledge, they wondered how this civilization had come to know it 5,000 years ago, since such discovery was first made in 1740. 

“As for pharmacology, we found that Caral inhabitants used willow —containing the active chemical ingredient of aspirin— to relieve pain such as headaches. 

Another highlight was the civil engineering, which continues to amaze, since scientists applied the seismic resistance technology to the over-5000 year old constructions.

Google Street View to display more Peruvian attractions

13:59.

 Lima, Dec. 18. A great interest has driven Google Street View to capture panoramic images of diverse Peruvian archaeological sites, so a larger number of people will be allowed to virtually explore main tourist attractions and thus learn about the history of the Inca Nation.

Therefore, this tool is very important for countries' tourism and education sectors above all, Google Communications Manager for Colombia and Peru Susana Pabon expressed.

"The question is: Will other Peruvian archaeological sites continue to be displayed? The answer is yes. Google is committed to creating a more perfect map; we will travel to other areas. In this sense, other attractions will be featured indeed [...]," the Google officer told.

"By relying on more Peruvian digitalized sites, Google puts the spotlight on the country given that it draws people's interest in archaeological attractions which can be first virtually visited and in-person afterwards,” she added.

Posting Peru on the Google platform allows boosting domestic and international tourism. More people use the tool to conduct research on the nation, learn about its main tourist attractions and see 3D images.

The said project will rely on the "trekker" tool; a camera placed on a backpack carried by an operator, who tours around archaeological spots on foot.

"Street View is a feature available in Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Maps for mobile that allows users to explore the world through 360-degree street-level imagery," the Internet giant stated.

Peru: Receptive tourism up by 7%, to generate US$3.50 billion in 2015

12:58.

 Lima, Dec. 10. Peru's receptive tourism will expand by 7%, generate incomes worth US$3.50 billion and experience a significant recovery by year-end, National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) Chairman Jorge Jochamowitz reported.

"This will be a remarkable recovery compared to the scarce 1.7% growth recorded in 2014. Progress was possible thanks to the number of attendees to the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)," he affirmed.

Likewise, the Canatur officer estimated this figure may climb to 8% next year, supported by the upcoming APEC event to be held in Lima on November 17th-19th, 2016.

"However, a slight stagnation in 2016 is expected to occur due to the Dollar rise, El Niño climate phenomenon's presence and tourism market crisis expected to hit our country given the upcoming Rio Olympic Games (Brazil)," he noted.

Nonetheless, he said tourism should remain as the country's third foreign-currency generating sector.

Domestic tourism

According to Jochamowitz, domestic tourism will expand by 9% (41.3 million trips) in 2015, noting that 37.9 million trips took place the year before. 

"The average domestic tourist, a youngster, usually spends S/.400 (about US$119 million) per trip. They [young people] are boosting a new trip culture across the national territory," he told.

Peru Travel Mart 2016, Peru and Regions

On the other hand, the Canatur Chairman confirmed the 23rd Peru Travel Mart 2016 (PTM 2016) will take place at Lima's 27 de Enero Convention Center on May 13th-16th.

Jochamowitz forecasted this new edition will gather a total of 150 international buyers from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Latin American countries. 

Peru Travel Mart is a professional event, which provides the opportunity to build a greater knowledge of Peru, as a tourist destination, as well as a country to make business appointments with entrepreneurs arriving from overseas.

BBC to promote Peru's La Leche River Valley tourist attractions

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15:02.

 Chiclayo (Lambayeque region), Dec. 09. La Leche River Valley's tourist attractions, among which Pomac Forest Historical Sanctuary stands out, will be promoted in foreign countries thanks to United Kingdom's BBC network, it was announced.

Following studies conducted by the Peruvian Spectacled Bears Conservation Society (SBC) —which were led by biologist Robin Appleton along with a Peruvian-Canadian and American group— a BBC team arrived in the area to film these animals’ habitat and the territory's richness concerning natural and cultural values, Sican National Museum Director Carlo Elera affirmed.

"The BBC team stayed in the area for some time; some months have passed, and they are already working on the edition. The documentary will be introduced worldwide. They [team members] have been truly fascinated, since they did not expect to find a fauna such as this one [...],” he told Andina news agency.

According to studies conducted by researchers, spectacled bears are a representative population living in the equatorial dry forests’ wetlands.

These animals are associated with a series of mountains and petroglyphs. "Such animals were highly-valued by ancient Peruvians, who settled in the area," the archaeologist indicated.

This British project will be released in mid-2016. "It’s sort of like a special on the planet's unexplored corners, which is very popular in Europe," he told.

"It means Batangrande [archaeological area] and La Leche Basin will be promoted worldwide; thus, this part of the country will draw interest," he finally stated.

Channing Tatum's trip to Peru

15:28.

 Lima, Nov. 25. The arrival of US actor Channing Tatum in Peru is comprised in the series of efforts undertaken by the artist as medicinal plants Ambassador for the Runa Foundation.

As a non-profit, Runa Foundation sees beyond supply chains and brings together the resources needed to create markets that, at their core, benefit farming families and the forest.

The actor currently pays a visit to rainforest Tarapoto city.

According to international news sites, his plans comprise setting up a research center in alliance with the Shipibo community in the near future.

Tatum seems to be comfortable around fans. Photos of him standing next to locals were posted online.

The actor is expected to stay in Lima for seven days.

30 new species of wild flora identified in Manu National Park, Peru

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11:49.

 Lima, Oct. 28. A total of 30 wild flora species were discovered at Manu National Park by a group of scientists with the support of Peruvian state-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp).

This remarkable finding, published in the “Annotated list of trees and associated species, typical of montane forests in southern Peru: the importance of continuing gathering,” shows the high level of biodiversity in Andean cloud forests of Peru. 

The preliminary list of tree and associated species was carried out in 21 permanent observation plots and contiguous exploration areas since 2003, located between 800 and 3,625 meters above sea level.

The study was conducted by Aberg—Andes Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Group, with the support of Sernanp, through its Manu National Park Department.

Some 1,108 tree species were found within 20 kilometers of Manu biosphere, including tree ferns, palms and lianas. 43% of the recorded species are new to the region of Cusco, while 15 specimens are new records for the Peruvian wild flora.

This research seeks to analyze biodiversity patterns, distribution of species and ecosystem function based on time and space, as well as climate change effects in the Andean-Amazon ecosystem.

Peru nominated for World Travel Awards 2015

13:45.

 Lima, Oct. 28. Once again, Peru could claim more World Travel Awards (WTA).

For 2015, the country has been nominated in the following categories: World's Leading Culinary Destination, Leading Green Destination, Leading City Break Destination (Lima), Leading Tourist Attraction, Leading Tourist Board and Leading Tourism Authority Website, among others.

In this sense, Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva requested Peruvians to cast a vote to support Peruvian nominees thru October 31, 2015.

It must be noted 'City Break destination' is a booming category. Nominees are metropolis offering travelers a cosmopolitan and modern weekend getaway filled with alternatives, such as an exquisite gastronomy.

She also highlighted the fact that government-run peru.travel website is nominated in the Leading Tourism Authority Website category. Likewise, Peru’s Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperu) could become the world’s best tourism office.

Peru.travel is available in several languages, such as English, Portuguese, Italian, French, German and Japanese. It aims to position our country among the world’s top destinations.

Official information for tourists is offered by logging on to the website. Thus, it serves as guide for travelers.

Recently, during the WTA regional edition -held in Bogota (Colombia)- Peru was declared South America’s Leading Culinary Destination and Leading Cultural Destination.

Segura: WBG/IMF Annual Meetings broke attendance record in Lima

14:02.

 Lima, Oct. 06. The Annual Meetings of the WBG and the IMF currently underway in Lima broke records of attendance by registering over 12,000 attendees, Peru’s Economy and Finance Minister Alonso Segura stated.

After participating at the Capital Markets, Banking & Finance Day 2015, Segura said he expects Peru will project a good image as host country.

The attendance record has exceeded that of Japan's. "We have exceeded 12,000 registered participants. I think it will be a great success, and this is an opportunity to promote what Peru has to offer," Segura expressed.

During the meeting a discussion on economic issues will be held, which could draw interest from everyone since topics are relevant to the world economy.

“Issues deemed relevant to Latin America and Peru, which have an impact on Peruvian citizens, will be addressed. Every authority, high level personality will arrive for the event in the following days. The activities will increase between today and tomorrow,” he added.

(END) JCC/JJN/MVB

Published: 06/10/2015