The Peruvian tourism sector's incoming revenues totaled US$4.303 billion in 2016, thus increasing 3.9% over the previous year, Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL) reported Monday.
"Incoming revenues have maintained an upward trend over the past four years, posting accumulated growth of 40%," CCL Institute of Economics and Business Development (IEDEP) Director Cesar Peñaranda affirmed.
Said income is mainly comprised of foreign tourist spending —good and service expenses— which amounted to US$3.501 billion in the said period.
This adds to passenger transport revenues, namely Peru-based transport companies' services to non-residents, estimated at US$802 million.
4.6 million visitors
Last year, Peru welcomed 4.6 million foreign citizens, including tourists, diplomats, among others, an 8.4% rise over 2015.
"While these are satisfactory results, we need to find additional channels to boost tourism in parallel for a bigger impact on Peruvian economy," the CCL officer said.
Peñaranda also stressed tourism's role in employment, given the number of direct and indirect jobs generated by this field.
In this sense, he addressed the relevance of allocating greater investments to tourism infrastructure, including hotels, telecommunications and transport.
Growing service exports
On the other hand, Peñaranda noted tourism also translates into greater exports of services.
"Especially through international tourism, which will contribute further revenues to the country," he indicated.
The Inca nation seeks to export US$1 billion a year in services by 2021, according to Peru's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru).
(END) JJN/JJN/DHT/MVB