Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia has highlighted the importance of Peru being the
The
event will take place entirely in the Inca nation on January 6-17, 2019.
"The development of this competition will stimulate Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna regions' economy, as it will boost the consumption of goods and services in the nearby zones of the competition's route," he indicated.
Likewise, the Mincetur head informed the race will generate an economic impact
worth at least US$60 million, a US$20 million increase compared to last year's edition (US$40.5 million).
"Approximately US$40.7 million will be linked directly to the
tourism sector," he added.
Over 500 competitors from 61 nations —33 Peruvians among them— have confirmed their participation in the Dakar Rally 2019, the Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) informed.
National racers such as Nicolas Fuchs, Fernanda Kanno, Diego Heilbrunn, Fernando Ferrand, Miguel Angel Alvarez, Francisco Leon, Jose Salaverry, Sergio Samaniego, and Anibal Aliaga will participate in the coming 41st edition. They will be joined by
Gianna Velarde.
On the other hand, Rally Director Etienne Lavigne stressed the fact that the event will take place entirely in Peru.
It must be noted this marks the first time in history the Dakar Rally will be exclusively run in one country.
"It will be a very difficult challenge, a high-quality route. The high interest in the sport predicts a successful edition," he concluded.