Peru: Manu, Tambopata receive Safe Travels Stamp, become safe destinations for tourists

Photo: ANDINA

10:31 | Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios region), Jul. 9.

The National Park of Manu and the National Tambopata Reserve, protected natural areas located in Madre de Dios region, have received the Safe Travels Stamp —bestowed by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)— which recognizes them as safe destinations for tourists at times of COVID-19.

The receipt of this stamp is testament to their compliance with biosafety measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Claudia Cornejo led the hand-over ceremony.

Thus, tourists wishing to visit both destinations can rest assured that biosafety measures are in place.

"It is a pleasure to issue the Safe Travels Stamp to Manu and Tambopata today, two of the most popular destinations in Madre de Dios. From now on, this region will be able to receive —with all the biosafety measures— tourists, who enjoy nature and adventure in these places. With this stamp, tourism businesses in the area will resume as well," she affirmed.

The distinction was received by Madre de Dios Governor Luis Hidalgo in a ceremony that featured the participation of Deputy Strategic Development of Natural Resources Minister Luisa Guinand and the head of the National Service for Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp) Pedro Gamboa.

The event was also attended by Fitzcarrald District Mayor Edgar Morales, Tambopata Province Assistant Tourism Manager Maribel Huamani, and tourism sector's entrepreneurs.

Joint efforts

Cornejo noted that the receipt of this stamp is the result of collaborative efforts made by the State —through the Executive Branch— Sernanp, the Regional Government of Madre de Dios, local governments, and the private sector, in order to drive the sector forward.

To obtain the Safe Travels Stamp, Madre de Dios' regional authority had to submit a formal evaluation request to Mincetur.

Afterwards, virtual and field working meetings were held and sectoral health protocols were implemented through surveillance plans or COVID-19 prevention documents.

In addition, tourist service providers had to undergo audits, as well as checks of cleaning, disinfection, and waste management, to verify that they comply with the protocols established by the Government.

Below are the tourist circuits that have been classified as safe for tourists at times of COVID-19:

Tambopata Destination

1. Puerto Maldonado City tour

Biodiversity Viewpoint

Puerto Maldonado's Main Square

Miguel Grau Viewpoint

Youth Park

Continental or Billinghurst Bridge

2. Tambopata National Reserve - Lake Sandoval

Lake Sandoval

3. Tambopata National Reserve - Collpa Chuncho

Collpa Chuncho