LIMA, Aug 8 (NNN-ANDINA) — Domestic tourism in Peru might reach 34 million trips during the current year, which would mean growth above 25% compared to the number registered last year (27 million), Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Mathews has forecast.
“This year, we are taking the leap forward from 27 million to 34 million trips. The important thing to highlight is that these figures will be reached despite the events that had played against us, such as social conflict, Cyclone Yaku, the dengue epidemic, among others,“ he highlighted in remarks to Andina news agency.
The Cabinet member asserted that this recovery was achieved thanks to the articulation by the Central Government and more than 300 tour operators in the sector from 25 Peruvian regions.
“In order to achieve this growth, there was a very close articulation with tourism sector guilds, tour guides, restaurant chains, hotels, airlines, transportation companies, among others,” he specified.
The minister explained that this articulation led to offering significant discounts on tourist packages in the market, with the aim of regaining tourist confidence and encouraging purchase decisions.
“The options were attractive; so, if tourists were in doubt, that 20% or 25% discount that they were offered would allow them to make a decision quickly,” Mathews noted.
“In addition to the articulation, what I highlight is that citizen calm has been regained thanks to the fact that citizens are behaving positively, and this (positive) situation is allowing travelers’ confidence to recover,” he said.
Based on this data, the official forecast that domestic tourism would return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
“It is possible that domestic tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Investments are being made; infrastructure (is being built) in the south, north, (and) the jungle, because confidence is recovering,” he indicated.
In this regard, Minister Mathews projected that inbound tourism will grow above 10% year, thus increasing from 2 million tourists (2022) to 2.2 million (2023).
Lastly, the government official commented that, during the past Peruvian Independence Holidays (28-29 July), one of the most benefited places was Cusco region, despite the problems it had faced due to over-demand.
“Luckily, we acted quickly, and no major inconvenience occurred,” he said. — NNN-ANDINA
