CUSCO (Peru), May 17 (NNN-ANDINA) — The Cusco Cultural Tourism Integrated Services Committee (Cosituc) —which sells tourist tickets to enter Cusco’s archaeological parks alternative to Machu Picchu— collected a total of S/22.92 million (about US$6.16 million) from January to April 2024.
The figure, which is increasing, reflects the reactivation of tourism and the economy in this southern region, denoting the interest of visitors in the 16 archaeological attractions and museums managed by the Directorate of Culture, as well as province and district municipalities.
Cosituc General Manager Aurelio Vargas confirmed to Andina news agency that, during the first four months, 290,983 tickets have been sold at S/40-S/70 (US$11-19) —flat or promotional rate— aiming at this sector’s reactivation —a strategy that benefited hotels, restaurants, and people who work with the tourism sector.
The tourists who purchased tickets were foreign (accounting for 77%) and domestic ones (23%).
A large part of North Americans, Europeans, and Latin Americans arrive in the area to visit Machu Picchu. During their stay, they also visit Inca and pre-Inca bastions, as well as the natural attractions available in Cusco.
According to statistics, in 2019 —prior to the COVID-19 pandemic— Cosituc collected more than S/91.34 million (above US$24.56 million).
In 2020 —the year in which the health emergency was declared— only S/12.18 million (about US$3.27 million) was collected.
Following the reduction of contagion and the reopening of archaeological parks, Cosituc raised more than US$22.69 million (above US$6.10 million) in 2021.
Collection exceeded S/60.60 million (above US$16.29 million) the following year.
In 2023, more than S/54.30 million (above US$14.60 million) was raised.
If the current situation continues, and the number of visits increases, more than S/70 million (above US$19 million) could be raised this year.
The archaeological parks offered in the Tourist Ticket are: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero, Tipon, Pikillaqta, the Pachacutec Monument, the Qosqo Center for Native Art, the Qorikancha Site Museum, the Popular Art Museum, as well as the Contemporary Art and Regional History Museums.
Of these sites, the most visited and requested by tourists are Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, with 30%; Chinchero, with 18%; Ollantaytambo and Pisac, with 8%; among others.
Vargas indicated that there is a sustained growth in tourist influx to Cusco —evidently after Machu Picchu archaeological park— which would foresee a good end to the year with direct and indirect benefit for the people dedicated to tourism and public institutions. — NNN-ANDINA
