Andina

Peru expected to draw some 4.85 million tourists this year

12:37 | Lima, feb. 19.

Peru is expected to attract some 4.85 million foreign tourists this year, up by 10% compared to 4.4 million in 2019, with a push strategy in markets across North America and Latin America, Deputy Tourism Minister Guillermo Cortes affirmed.

"We are seeking to achieve that goal, taking advantage of the situations and having a rapid response capacity. Besides, working together with the private sector will allow us to move forward," he stated.

Cortes noted that in light of the coronavirus outbreak, which affects China and, therefore, the flow of tourists from said country, Peru would place emphasis on attracting foreign tourists from North American and Latin American markets, in order to reach the 10% growth target.

Likewise, he explained Peru's actions to attract Chinese tourists have been focused on the high-consumption sector, and the luxury segment, rather than massive sectors.

The government official also claimed that, together with PromPeru, the Ministry of Foreign Tarde and Tourism is evaluating the latest trends in the market. 

"Evidently, cancellations from Chinese tourists have been reported at this point, but we have to turn to markets that are not yet affected and where Latin America, and mainly Peru, are viewed as a safe destination that is not affected by the outbreak," he explained.

"The most important market for us without doubt is North America, where campaigns that will be going on throughout the year are being further intensified. Latin America is another important market," he added.

(END) MDV/MDV/RMB

Published: 2/19/2020