In 2015 Peru welcomed 3.5 million foreign tourists, who did not only enjoy the country's architectural and archaeological riches but also its cuisine, Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva affirmed.
After participating in the launch ceremony of the APEC Peru 2016 Process held at the Government Palace on Friday morning, she noted that joining the forum meant "an unimaginable increase in tourism."
"This also means we closed 2015 having welcomed 3.5 million tourists. Years ago, we were filled with happiness over the arrival of one million tourists," she told at a press conference.
It must be noted foreign tourist arrivals totaled 3,214,934 in 2014. Thus, the current figure represents an 8.8% increase compared to the same period the year before.
Belonging to APEC denotes "being proud" to host meetings during an entire year, which will lead to invigorating the economy, she stressed.
According to Peru's Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) estimates, tourism has become the first non-traditional sector bringing foreign currency flows into the country.
(END) JCC/JJN/AVV/MVB
Published: 1/29/2016