13:00 | Morocco, Dec. 13.
For the fourth time, Peru was recognized as the World's Leading Culinary Destination by World Travel Awards (WTA) 2015's global edition, Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva Velarde-Alvarez informed.
Peru prevailed over China, Australia, Spain, United States, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand to become the top spot, she noted.
The prize is an honor added to already obtained awards. It must be noted Peru was declared South America's Leading Culinary Destination on WTA regional editions.
Prestigious WTA 2015, also named by the foreign press as "Tourism Oscars," were granted on Saturday at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort located in El Jadida, Morocco's port city.
The honor was received by Peruvian Trade Advisor to Madrid Bernardo Muñoz, who also heads Peru's Trade Office (OCEX) based in the African country.
"WTA rely on a 22-year trajectory. They recognize and celebrate the tourism industry and world travel-related sectors' excellence. The World's Leading Culinary Destination category was created four years ago and, since then, only Peru has won this prize," Minister pointed out.
Honors are added to those already granted to “Central” restaurant owned by Peru-Brand Ambassador Virgilio Martinez. Central was ranked first on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2015 list. Astrid & Gaston restaurant (owned by Gaston Acurio) and Maido restaurant (run by Mitsuharu Tsumura) held third and fifth spots, respectively.
Gastronomic promotion
PromPeru created "Peru Mucho Gusto" Brand, which since 2006 promotes Peruvian gastronomy in both the national and international spheres.
"Peru Mucho Gusto" fairs take place in diverse regions of the country since 2009. To date, 11 editions have been held in cities Piura, Cusco, Tacna, Tarapoto, Ica, Huaraz, Huamanga, Pisco and Tumbes. Later, the Peruvian Society of Gastronomy (APEGA) took the lead and created Lima-based Mistura event considered South America's top gastronomy fair.
"Peruvian cuisine promotion has been permanent for a decade. At the beginning of the previous decade Peruvian State's investment climbed from around S/.3 million (about US$1 million) to S/.6 million (about US$2 million) over the last quinquennium," Silva expressed.
During this administration, the promotion strategy has been strengthened by having invested S/.24 million (about US$8 million) thru December 2015.
(END) NDP/AVV/MVB
Published: 12/13/2015