Andina

Peru to welcome over 3.9 million foreign tourists by end-2017

Macchu picchu

Macchu picchu

00:00 | Lima, Aug. 28.

Over 3.9 million foreign tourists will visit Peru this year, allowing a 5% expansion from last year's figure, Peruvian Domestic and Foreign Tour Operators Association (Apotur Peru) Head Enrique Quiñones projected.
 
Despite all the obstacles emerged in Peru —such as Coastal El Niño phenomenon— the tourism sector keeps increasing, although at slower pace, Quiñones noted.

According to Peru's Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur), 3,744,461 foreign tourists visited the country last year, up by 8.4% from the amount registered in 2015. 

Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport —tourists' entry to the Inca nation— needs a second runway. Thus, it is essential to open other terminals across the national territory, he suggested.

The guild's president remains optimistic about tourist activity in the country. In this sense, he projects a sharp increase and 4 million foreign visitors in 2018.

"Definitely, tourism is and will be a key player for Peru's economic growth in the following years," he was quoted as saying.

As is known, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski expects the arrival of 7 million tourists by the end of his term in office (2021). 

(END) MDV/JAA/MVB

Published: 8/28/2017