Community-based rural tourism and exports of biodiversity-based products contribute to overcoming poverty in indigenous and rural communities across Peru, the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur) has reported.
"We are supporting communities that, in one way or another, were neglected, but it is the responsibility of all State-run programs to include them. In this regard, the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis) articulates efforts of public institutions so that communities can take part in the productive and sustainable development of the country," Mincetur head Edgar Vasquez expressed.
During his participation at the
VIII Social Inclusion Week 2019, Vasquez highlighted the successful experiences of several indigenous communities that make the most —in a sustainable way— of biodiversity-based resources, which are highly demanded in the international market.
In this sense, he remarked that 80% of the tourism Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Peru is developed in rural areas, where the
community-based tourism is being promoted.
This type of tourism is already experienced in regions: Amazonas, Ancash, Arequipa, Cajamarca,
Cusco, Lambayeque, Piura, as well as in Loreto, Madre de Dios, Puno, and San Martin.
"Community-based tourism is a sustainable economic development tool designed to improve the quality of life in communities," he added.
"This way, biodiversity-based products,
community-based tourism, and
handicrafts are productive activities that contribute to environmental sustainability and forest conservation, with a positive impact on the planet, and help
overcome poverty," he pointed out.
(END) NDP/RMB/MVB
Published: 10/17/2019