News about tourism in Peru / T News

MELIA HOTELS PLANS TO
INCREASE INVESTMENT IN PERU
ANDINA. Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) has encouraged Spanish hotel chain Melia Hotels International to increase its investments in the country in partnership with the private pension fund managers (AFPs).

“Investments made by AFPs in hotel construction is something that has not been done in the country. I will discuss this topic with the AFPs so that they can invest in the tourism sector just as they do in construction of infrastructure,” noted the head of Mincetur Jose Luis Silva.

The minister made these statements after meeting with the executive vice president of Melia Hotels International Gabriel Escarrer, who is interested in increasing investments in Peru.

“Melia is very interested in entering Peru and I have proposed them to look for a partnership with the country’s private pension fund,” the minister told Andina news agency.

Silva said that Melia is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, but has only one hotel in Peru, which is located in the Lima district of San Isidro. Therefore, he proposed said alternative to Melia taking into account Mincetur’s interest to increase investments in the country’s tourism sector.

Melia Hotels plans to increase investment in Peru. (Photo: ANDINA)

PERUVIAN DESERTS, DUNES TO ATTRACT
MORE VISITORS THANKS TO DAKAR RALLY
ANDINA. The Peruvian coast will attract more visitors as its extensive deserts and beautiful dunes have been seen by more than a billion people from some 200 countries thanks to the Dakar Rally, of which the three final stages were held in the Andean nation.

Therefore, Peru is now considered as an exotic place to visit, President of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) Francisco Boza told TV Peru.

In addition, Boza said that carrying out an advertising campaign in so many countries and at the times that the Dakar was broadcasted would have cost nearly US$ 400 million, which is why the country brand was well benefited from the hosting of this event.

As to the participation of Peruvian drivers, Boza mentioned that Ignacio Flores and Jacques Barron were removed from the competition as their physical problems could have put their health at risk.

Moreover, the IPD president also said that the objective of the Peruvians was to make it to Plaza de Armas in Lima; therefore, he was satisfied that more than half of participants crossed the finish line.

DAKAR TO BOOST TOURIST ARRIVALS
IN AREQUIPA, ICA & CAÑETE
Lima, Jan. 16 (ANDINA). The recently-concluded Dakar Rally is expected to give a major boost to foreign tourist arrivals in southern Peru's Arequipa and Ica departments as well as the Lima province of Cañete, where the final stage of this year's race took place.

Luis Venero, head of the regional office for foreign trade and tourism in Arequipa, said that the race allowed the country to further enhanced its image among potential tourists around the world.

"Nearly one billion people have seen us on TV or got information through the media. Now, they know that Arequipa exists, that its capital is a world heritage site, and it has valleys, volcanoes, architecture," he told Andina.

The official remarked that the European market is the main target for Arequipa as it will become the main source of tourists.

For her part, the head of Dircetur in Ica, Martha Moran, praised the efforts made by national and regional authorities as well as the business community to host such a world renowned competition.

2012 Dakar Rally. (Photo: ANDINA)

PERU WANTS DAKAR
RALLY TO START IN LIMA
ANDINA. Peruvian Trade and Tourism Minister Jose Luis Silva said he will travel to Paris, France this month to discuss the possibility that the 2013 Dakar Rally starts in Lima, Peru.

Minister Silva will accompany President Ollanta Humala on his Jan. 24-30 trip to Spain and Switzerland.

The Peruvian leader will hold talks with King Juan Carlos and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid and will then attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.

"After visiting Spain and Davos, I will go to Paris to meet with the Dakar organizers on the possibility that the race starts in Lima," Silva told Canal N.

Silva recalled that the final stages of the Dakar Rally in Peru were a bigger than expected success with more than 700,000 people turning out to witness only the Pisco-Lima stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, or Mincetur, had estimated that 500,000 Peruvians will follow the 2012 Dakar Rally during the three stages from Tacna to Lima.

Silva added that the US$5 million paid to Dakar organizers to bring the offroad race to Peru will help promote tourism and investment in the country.

Jose Luis Silva said he will travel to Paris to discuss the possibility
that the 2013 Dakar Rally starts in Lima. (Photo: ANDINA)

PUNO TO WELCOME ONE
MILLION TOURISTS IN 2021
ANDINA. Peru’s southeastern Puno region, which houses the Lake Titicaca and Uros floating islands, will receive about one million tourists in 2021, according to the goals set by the Regional Tourism Strategic Plan (Pertur).

The document, carried out by the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) and the local municipalities, includes a series of projects and actions to be taken in order to threefold the number of tourists which reached 300,000 in 2011.

"We expect to exceed the 900,000 visitors. In 2011 these figures amounted to 300,000, among domestic and foreign tourists; in this regard, French have much empathy for the Andean world and folklore,” the head of Dircetur Lourdes Abarca remarked.

"Pertur will be a management tool for the implementation of projects for tourism and the implementation of activities to diversify our tourism offer such as the gastronomy," she said in statements to Andina.

Lake Titicaca in Puno region. (Photo: ANDINA)

LIMA'S CASONAS CAPTIVATE
NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS
ANDINA. A walk through the Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is certainly fascinating for all its attractions, including its casonas (mansions), museums, squares, monasteries and churches dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. All of them have survived centuries and are part of the city’s hallmark.

The Casona San Marcos is one of the most outstanding historic buildings as well as one of the best preserved constructions from the colonial period. At present, it houses the Cultural Center of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos.

Its construction is a synthesis of history of Lima’s architecture, from the baroque and rococo styles to the Republican influence reflected in the restorations made in late 19th century in the courtyards.

The Casa de Riva Agüero, built in 1760, is considered other major attraction in Lima, as well as one of the best preserved constructions. It holds an extensive historical archive, a rich library and the ‘Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares’.

It is a clear example of a house in Lima that, due to the various stages of construction and reconstruction, combines different architectural styles.

It holds two courtyards built like the Spanish style in the 16th century, a neoclassical facade of the late 18th and French-influenced architectural details of the mid-19th century.

In one of the busiest streets of the Historic Center, Jiron de la Union, we can find the Courret House, an outstanding example of modernism in Lima’s architecture.

It was one of the most important photographic studios in Lima, founded by French artist Eugene Courret in late 19th century.

Palais Concert is located in the corner of Jiron de la Union and Emancipacion Avenue. This is an emblematic building with enormous cultural and architectural value of the early twentieth century. The French style is reflected in its fine finishes.

From 1920 to 1940, said building was a famous café-cinema-bar and a gathering point for Lima’s intellectual elite like Abraham Valdelomar and visited by important celebrities like Cesar Vallejo.

We can find the Palace of Torre Tagle, a mansion built in colonial times, in Jiron Ucayali, just two blocks away from Plaza Mayor. The materials used for its construction were brought from Spain, Panama and Central America.

The facade of the Palace of Torre Tagle shows an Andalusian baroque style and features carved stone porches and arches and two artistic Moorish cedar and mahogany balconies.

The mansion was restored during 1954 and 1956 and currently serves as headquarters of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Ministry and National Directorate of Protocol.

This mansion, in the colonial heart of Lima, is one of the biggest houses built in Lima during the colonial period. It is also called Casa de Oquendo.

Its facade is neoclassical, showing reminiscent of the Rococo style. It also holds 5 balconies from the Louis XVI style, decorated with garlands and accompanied by 3 balconies parapet.

At the top of said building, we can find a lookout under a small Muslim dome.

Unlike many houses built in colonial times, the rooms in Osambela are parallel to the street. Nowadays, it serves as a venue for art exhibits and cultural events.

Without any doubt, the mansions in Lima, their architecture and history will continue captivating many tourists and are a reason to be proud of being Peruvians.

Lima's casonas captivate national, international tourists. (Photo: ANDINA)

PROMPERU TO TAKE PART
IN MADRID FUSION THIS MONTH
ANDINA. Peru’s export and tourism promotion agency Promperu has confirmed its participation in the prestigious gastronomic event, Madrid Fusion.

During the Jan. 24-26 event in Spain, Promperu will seek to further cement the country's position as a prime culinary destination.

The agency described gastronomy as a key component of Peru’s tourism potential and thus stressed the importance of its participation in the annual three-day culinary summit.

Three representatives from Promperu will travel to the Spanish capital to attend Madrid Fusion, which brings global gastronomic delights to the streets, with food stands, gourmet taste demonstrations and cooking contests.

Peruvian gastronomy. (Photo: PromPeru).

MACHU PICCHU BRINGS PERUVIAN
CULTURE TO UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
ANDINA. The University of Georgia Tate Student Center, located in Athens, Georgia (United States) is hosting a Machu Picchu photo exhibit, aiming to educate students about historic sites.

For almost one month, from January 9 to 24, students will be able to see 40 historic photos of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan city discovered and photographed by Hiram Bingham.

Original photos show 15th-century Incan ruins, nestled on a small hill within the Andean Mountain Range. Rivers snake through the half-built homes in black-and-white-charm, showing churches and indigenous Peruvians.

"To experience Peruvian culture, students don’t need to hike to Machu Picchu. They just need to step off-campus," explained Paul Duncan, Assistant Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute.

He added that the exhibit is another opportunity to showcase Athens’s Peruvian culture and to educate students about historic sites.

Machu Picchu Incan citadel. (Photo: ANDINA)

INCA TRAIL EXHIBITION
OPENS AT NATIONAL MUSEUM
ANDINA. Amid Lima’s anniversary celebrations, Peru’s Ministry of Culture inaugurated the exhibition titled Qhapaq Ñan, caminando a traves de la historia (walking through history) at the National Museum, which shows the route of the Inca trail, an extensive network of trails that connected the Tahuantinsuyo during the 15th century.

The exhibit includes photos, texts, videos, and objects found in different areas of these pre-Columbian roads.

Among the relics displayed are archeological and ethnographic pieces of the National Museum and the Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History, related to its ancient use of the Qhapaq Ñan.

In addition, objects used by the chasquis (messengers) of the Inca Empire, like quipus (recording devices), bags or pututus (horn or trumpet) can be found in the museum, as well as dozens of photos that depict the daily routine of the communities close to the trails.

The exhibition, held at the third floor of the museum, will run until June. Also, admission is free for all visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 09.00 (14.00 GMT) to 19.00 hours.

Inca Trail in Machu Picchu. (Photo: ANDINA)

SYDNEY, FLORIDA RESTAURANTS TO
JOIN PISCO SOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS
ANDINA. The National Pisco Sour Day in Peru will be celebrated throughout the world on the first Saturday in February.

New Times Broward-Palm Beach reported that Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida will be celebrating Pisco Sour Day with handcrafted Pisco cocktails.

"We see this as a great opportunity to improve foreign relations with our friends in South America. Since the going rate for a round-trip ticket to Lima starts at around $500 before all those annoying taxes and fees, we're offering a more affordable celebration option," the article says.

Elsewhere, Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia of Morena in Surry Hills, Sydney adds to the celebrations by launching his new terrace and bar, the Morena Terraz in February.

Australia’s first Pisco bar –the Alma Morena within Morena restaurant- infuses Pisco on the premises to create a variety of flavours, not least the amazing Pisco with Coca leaves.

According to an article from eTravelBlackboard, February will also see the launch of the Sundowner Menu with a complimentary Pisco Sundowner cocktail on Sunday, Tuesdays and Wednesday evenings and Morena will host a special Pisco Appreciation Class on February 22nd.

The National Pisco Sour Day in Peru will be celebrated throughout the
world on the first Saturday in February.

SPANISH MUSEUM ORGANIZATION TO
PROMOTE CULTURAL TOURISM IN PERU
ANDINA. Peru’s export and tourism promotion agency (Promperu) signed an agreement with the Spanish Federation of Friends of Museums (FEAM) to promote cultural tourism among affluent consumers, Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Jose Luis Silva said.

“The signing of the agreement will be carried out at the Museum of the Americas in Madrid and it is the first time that FEAM signs an agreement with a country. This will allow us to attract more tourists to an important niche as these consumers have a high purchasing power,” Silva told Andina News Agency.

FEAM, which has 110 associations and foundations, and over 50,000 members, aims to boost all the initiatives or activities related to museums and cultural heritage.

In his second day of tourism promotion, Silva met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Guipuzcoa, a Spanish province and historic territory of this country, of which leaders consider establishing a representative office in Lima.

Moreover, Silvia got together with executives of NH hotel group, with whom he discussed the possibilities that these investors could include Peru in their expansion plan.

Spanish museum organization to promote cultural tourism in Peru. (Photo: ANDINA)

AREQUIPA CREATES REGIONAL
PLAN TO BOOST TOURISM
ANDINA. The regional government of Arequipa will launch a tourism plan aimed at increasing the visits of Peruvian and foreign tourists and maintain a sustainable growth of arrivals in the next years.

The head of the regional office for foreign trade and tourism, Luis Venero told Andina News Agency that said plan is a road map that will enable strengthen tourist activity, and therefore, Arequipa’s economy.

Among its guidelines, the initiative includes giving priority to tourist resources of the provinces and determining regional and macro-regional tourist routes, Venero noted.

In addition, the arrival of tourists is expected to have a 12 percent annual average growth rate

He recalled that there was an increase of 13 percent in 2011 compared the previous year when more than one million tourists visited Arequipa, from which 188 thousand were foreigners.

Arequipa will launch a tourism plan aimed in order to increase tourism.

Nota del Director: Esta información está disponible en el portal de noticias oficial de Perú, Andina, que contiene valiosa información en inglés. Es el único portal que permite el uso de sus noticias siempre que se consigne la fuente. Las noticias no han sido editadas por T News, solo facilitadas para que la industria turística puede compartirla con sus contactos internacionales. Muchas de ellas ya fueron publicadas en castellano. Es un resumen semanal. Sólo en este caso, T News tendrá especial cuidado que las noticias sean prioritariamente convenientes a la imagen del país como destino de turistas y nuevas inversiones.