16:05 | Lima, Dec. 29 (ANDINA).
The 2013 Dakar Rally is expected to attract thousands of spectators this January, as drivers travel from Ica, into Arequipa, and into Tacna.
This week Peruvian tourism officials estimated that more than 250,000 people would attend the rally at some point along the trail.
Officials said about 200,000 people were expected to witness the rally in Ica between Saturday 5 and Tuesday 8.
Representatives from over 50 hotels in the area have confirmed that they have more than 80 percent occupancy rates, Peruthisweek.com reported, citing an article from El Comercio.
Authorities at the ministries of environment and culture are still evaluating which areas would be suitable for tourists to camp in, without interfering with the rally’s trail, or damaging archaeological sites, the daily said.
Earlier this month Carlos Canales, president of the National Chamber of Tourism, said 5-star hotels in the country had been fully booked ahead of the rally.
“There is a supply of 5,000 rooms, in 5 and 4-star hotels, and only the team of racers reach around 500 participants, the number could quadruple, just the Dakar, as part of the technical team, has over 5,000 people,” he said.
The lack of accommodation, he said, also lead to an increase in demand for three star hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, Surco, and downtown Lima.
(END) INT/EEP
Published: 12/29/2012