14:44 | Lima, Nov. 19 (ANDINA).
Peruvian restaurants are popping up all over the world, but that’s not stopping intrepid foodies from seeking out Peruvian food in its land of origin.
According to Alejandro Garro of Promarket Peru consulting firm, 1.2 million tourists will have come to Peru by the end of 2013 with the intention of doing gastronomic tourism.
This represents about 40% of the projected 2013 total of 3.1 million foreign tourists, Peruthisweek.com reported, citing Lima daily El Comercio.
Food tourists spend, on average, US$130 on food in high-quality restaurants every day they spend in Peru.
Chef Nicolai Stakeeff told El Comercio that six years ago, only 7% of foreign tourists arriving in Peru did so with the intention of taking part in gastronomic tourism.
Stakeeff also highlighted the successful work that has been done by both tourism and restaurant promoters in recent years in order to familiarize foreigners with the wealth and diversity of Peruvian food.
He says that the majority of gastronomic tourists in Peru are of Asian origin. “35% of the pie is made up by Japanese epicureans, and Chinese tourists make up an important 25%. And increasingly, Mexicans, Argentines, and Germans are coming to do gastronomic tours.”
Marketing director for Embarcadero 41 Jorge Wong also pointed out that gastronomic tourism is beneficial in part because it helps reduce the seasonal nature of tourism, as foodies can find delicious meals in Peru during any time of the year.
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Published: 11/19/2013