13:31 | Lima, Jun. 12 (ANDINA).
Lima is in fourth place in the top ten destination cities in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the second annual Global Destinations Cities Index from MasterCard.
The report, which analyzes both visitor traffic and cross-border travel spend in 132 cities around the globe, predicts that 1.8 million tourists will visit the Peruvian capital this year.
In terms of international visitor spend, Lima saw a 14 percent increase in 2011 and 2012 and expects visitors to spend $1.4 million this year.
"Lima is an interesting destination for foreign tourists who come to learn about the historical wealth, gastronomy, among other attractions," said MasterCard's general manager in Peru, Juan Antonio Cabanas.
Topping the charts as destination cities from the region by international travelers are 1) Mexico City, Mexico; 2) Buenos Aires, Argentina; 3) São Paulo, Brazil; 4) Lima, Peru; 5) Bogota, Colombia; 6) San Jose, Costa Rica; 7) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; 8) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 9) Caracas, Venezuela and 10) Quito, Ecuador.
The top ten destination cities in the region by international visitor spend are: 1) Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2) São Paulo, Brazil; 3) Mexico City, Mexico; 4) Lima, Peru; 5) Bogota, Colombia; 6) San Jose, Costa Rica; 7) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 8 ) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; 9) Caracas, Venezuela and 10) Quito, Ecuador.
The amount of international travelers visiting top destination cities in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to increase, totaling 16.6 million visitors in 2012.
The growth figures for Latin America show real signs of positivity, with projected visitor numbers up by 7.3% for the top ten destination cities in the region and total predictions for international spend growth at 7.9%.
(END) JPC/EEP
Published: 6/12/2012