Andina

Peru's city gears up for tourists as Papal visit approaches

Papa Francisco

Papa Francisco

14:25 | Lima, Oct. 9.

Peru's eastern Puerto Maldonado city (Madre de Dios region) gets ready to welcome thousands of tourists during Pope Francis' visit next January, Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Maldonado David Martinez de Aguirre Guinea informed.

Monsignor Martinez said Puerto Maldonado's civil society authorities and representatives are taking care of the necessary arrangements for the event.

Also, he stated locals will fit out their houses to receive thousands of visitors.

Puerto Maldonado se prepara para recibir a turistas por visita del papa Francisco.

"We are looking forward to Pope's visit and expecting his blessing to bring us hope," he told RPP radio and TV station.

Martinez also noted Madre de Dios' Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) and Tambopata Provincial Municipality have joined efforts to make Puerto Maldonado a welcoming city.

In addition, the city is setting up camping areas, where people can bring tents and camp out.

It must be noted the 80-year-old Pontiff's arrival in the Andean nation is slated for January 17

His Holiness' schedule includes visits to Lima and Trujillo as well.

(END) MAO/JAA/RMB

Published: 10/9/2017