Andina

Peru: Cusco welcomed 8,000 foreign tourists, most of them vaccinated against COVID-19

Photo: ANDINA/Diffusion

Photo: ANDINA/Diffusion

18:02 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jun. 11.

Despite the prolonged state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cusco's tourist attractions received at least 8,000 foreign tourists and 30,000 national ones, Foreign Trade and Tourism Regional Management (Gercetur) Head Fredy Deza reported on Friday.

The visitors —who came mainly from the United States, followed by Europeans and Latin Americans— visited Machu PicchuCusco's Historic Center, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Meanwhile, most Peruvians arrived from Lima.

Cusco's Foreign Trade and Tourism Regional manager stressed that 90% of foreign tourists have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest are subjected to strict health protocols in the area, which guarantees the safety of tourists and the staff who receive them.

Before the pandemic hit Peru in March 2020, the South Andean city —which celebrates its jubilee month this June— received an average of 3,000 tourists a day. This figure increased during high season, which had begun at the end of May and lasted thru October.

Safe Travels

This year, Gercetur participated in the granting of the Safe Travels Stamp in various tourist sites for the benefit of visitors.

"We have worked to present Cusco as a biosafe destination; if foreigners did not see in Cusco the possibilities for tourism, they would not be coming," said Deza, who commented that there are hotel rooms booked for next month.

Moreover, the manager told Andina news agency that Gercetur staff in Cusco verify the surveillance plans against COVID-19 at provincial municipalities. It also works on a campaign to promote and disseminate the attractions of 13 provinces located in the same region.

(END) PHS/JOT/MVB

Published: 6/11/2021