highlighted the importance of strengthening air connectivity as a strategic tool to boost the competitiveness of Peru's tourism sector, open up new source markets, diversify destinations, and create greater investment and regional development opportunities.
The event brings together more than 600 representatives from the airport industry and airlines in Lima.
Deputy Tourism Minister Liz Chirinos highlighted that hosting this conference in Peru, with representatives from more than 60 countries, positions the country as a global benchmark in the airport industry.
The high-ranking official noted that this event provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity of destinations and experiences Peru has to offer.
"Air connectivity is a competitiveness factor for the tourism sector," she said.
Tourism sector goal
The deputy minister emphasized that the sector's goal is to expand Peru's direct access to the world's main source markets and strategic hubs.
The South American country currently has 48 international routes connecting it to 20 countries, as well as four airports with international operations, Chirinos indicated.
"Domestic air traffic has also grown by 22.3%, reflecting increasing demand for an interregional air network," she stated.
Reducing dependence on Lima
In this regard, she continued, the national strategy aims to reduce dependence on Lima and strengthen four airport hubs to benefit the tourism sector: Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, and Chiclayo.
Lima consolidates its position as a major intercontinental hub.
Meanwhile, Cusco strengthens its connections with Bogota, Santiago, and La Paz, with flights to São Paulo planned for the near future.
In turn, Chiclayo operates flights to Panama City and plans connections with Cuenca and Quito, she detailed.
Potential for new routes
The deputy minister highlighted the potential to develop new interregional routes, such as Cusco-Iquitos, Cusco-Trujillo, and Cusco-Piura, as well as connections from Arequipa to Piura, Trujillo, Cajamarca, and Tarapoto.
"Our strategic goal is to boost air connectivity that facilitates access to the country's tourist destinations, expands opportunities in source markets, and contributes to greater decentralization," she pointed out.
To support airlines in launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies, Mincetur and the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PromPeru) provide them with tools designed to reduce risks and facilitate decision-making.
Customized business cases are also developed, providing information on passenger numbers, average fares, and estimates of unmet demand, among other relevant indicators for assessing the viability of new operations.
These tools are complemented by joint promotional efforts with airlines.
Seven international campaigns are currently underway in priority markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United States, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. PromPeru is implementing these campaigns.
"Our strategic vision for working with airlines is to multiply travel opportunities. We aim to increase visitors' length of stay, diversify regional routes, and ensure a balanced distribution of tourism's economic benefits throughout the country," Chirinos concluded.