The
increase in visitors to the llaqta or Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has been approved through Ministerial Resolution No. 000224-2022-DM/MC.
This measure will accelerate the reactivation of tourism in Cusco and throughout Peru.
"This is great news for Peruvian tourism. Through this regulation, the capacity for admission to the Inca sanctuary will increase from 3,044 to 4,044 visitors per day," Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Roberto Sanchez highlighted on Sunday.
"As is known, Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site and the pride of Peruvians. Besides, through the passing of this resolution, we are promoting the entire tourism chain; that means more employment and economic reactivation at the regional and national levels," he added.
This increase will be valid thru December 31, 2022 and is the product of efforts and commitments made by members of the Machu Picchu Management Unit (UGM).
The UGM is responsible for conserving and preserving the outstanding universal value of Machu Picchu —a wonder of the world in Peru.
Minister Sanchez underlined that the current Government has been making efforts to reactivate and boost domestic tourism, as well as to recover inbound tourism; hence the importance of increasing capacity limits at Machu Picchu.
"Tourism has a great potential to generate foreign exchange income in a short period of time," he added.
UNESCO Recommendation
Before the COVID-19 pandemic began in Peru, the Inca citadel used to welcome a maximum of 5,940 tourists a day.
In 2020 the Ministry of Culture, following a recommendation by UNESCO, reduced this figure to 2,244 guests.
However, considering the need to reactivate the tourism sector, without neglecting the recommendations by
UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture has crafted a technical report which proposes to once again increase the capacity to 4,044 tourists per day.
(END) NDP/RMB
Published: 7/17/2022