Andina

Peru: Machu Picchu's reopening marks milestone in reactivation of tourism

Machu Picchu. Photo: ANDINA

Machu Picchu. Photo: ANDINA

09:00 | Cusco (Cusco region), Nov. 5.

The recent reopening of Machu Picchu —Peru's main tourist destination— marks a milestone in the reactivation of the tourism industry in the country, National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) Head Carlos Canales affirmed on Thursday.

In this sense, Canales welcomed the Government's efforts to reopen the Historic Sanctuary.

According to Canatur's head, the reopening of Machu Picchu contributes to promoting planned trips and the use of tourist services under biosafety protocols.

In this regard, he expressed his appreciation to Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rocio Barrios, who always expressed her concern and support for the sector's economic recovery.

"The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu reopened after almost eight months of inactivity. Now, we are back to awake resilient Peruvians' strength and capacity to fight. We are telling the world that we are going back," he stated.

"We have shown the world that we are preparing to receive travelers through the implementation of protocols," he said.

In this regard, Canales estimated that 1.5 million Peruvians are expected to visit Machu Picchu within the next two years —as they may be attracted by the economic opportunities that are being provided— and to equal the number of foreign visitors to the site.

(END) NDP/MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 11/5/2020