Machu Picchu is a powerful iconic center and historical reference in South America, according to
Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Mathews, who highlighted the actions carried out to improve the flow of visitors to the Inca citadel.
Mathews stated that Machu Picchu is visited by tourists from all over the world, who come from distant places such as Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, and then visit other countries such as Brazil and Mexico, as well as Central America.
"Machu Picchu is the first stop for many tourists, which proves its importance," he pointed out.
In statements to
Andina news agency earlier this week, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) affirmed that efforts are being made to improve the flow of tourists who visit Machu Picchu, while ensuring the protection of the Inca citadel, which was
declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
The aim is to direct Machu Picchu visitors to other tourist attractions in Peru, such as
Choquequirao, Kuelap, among other destinations in the jungle.
Meeting the demand
The Cabinet member referred to the recent over-demand for tickets to Machu Picchu, which made it difficult for visitors to enter, as they could not get tickets to the citadel.
Mathews affirmed that the problem was solved quickly thanks to the efforts by Mincetur, PromPeru, the Ministry of Culture, and Cusco's authorities.
The minister explained that the adopted measures have produced good results, and this was highlighted by Cusco's authorities, who noted that the Imperial City experienced a recovery, returning to levels similar to the pre-pandemic period.
"It is important to provide good services to tourists; queues generate discomfort, and we cannot afford to have dissatisfied tourists," the government official stressed.
"In other countries, tourists are treated as God, because people know that visitors pay taxes, and generate revenues for hotels, restaurants, taxis, and bodegas, which is a multiplier effect, but cultural heritage is always preserved," he commented.
The high-ranking official announced that various actions will be taken, such as the protection of archaeological sites, the flooring installation at new access points, and the promotion of tourism.
(END) MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 8/5/2023