Peru Bolsters Tourism with $18.7 Million Funding Boost
Peru’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has approved a substantial transfer of $18.7 million to rejuvenate the tourism sector, aiming for a full recovery to pre-pandemic tourist numbers in 2024.
In a significant move to revitalize its tourism industry, the Peruvian Ministry of Economy and Finance has authorized a supplementary transfer of 69.8 million soles (approximately $18.7 million) to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. This financial injection, celebrated by Minister Elizabeth Galdo, is set to catalyze the sector’s recovery and development across the country.
Revitalizing Tourism: Government Allocates Funds
“The allocation of these funds will enable us to finance campaigns, implement strategies, and boost ongoing tourism projects in various regions,” Minister Galdo enthusiastically expressed. The decision, formalized through a supreme decree and published in the official gazette ‘El Peruano,” outlines the government’s commitment to revitalizing a sector critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding initiative is part of the National Plan for the Promotion and Development of Tourism for 2024, under which 22 investments aimed at enhancing national tourism will be financed. Minister Galdo highlighted the government’s goal to return to pre-pandemic tourism levels by 2024, signaling a robust approach to overcoming the challenges posed by the global health crisis.
Tourism in Peru is a vital component of the national economy and contributes significantly to employment both directly and indirectly. “The approval of this measure demonstrates the government’s intent to strengthen the national economy by synergizing efforts across ministries,” the Ministry of Commerce Exterior and Tourism noted, emphasizing the broad economic benefits of a thriving tourism sector.
Sustainable Funding Approach
The decree also specifies that the supplementary transfer will be funded by surplus revenues collected and unspent in previous years, adhering to existing legislation. This approach ensures the financial boost is sustainable and aligned with fiscal policies.
Promperú, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Export and Tourism, and Plan Copesco Nacional, an executing unit within the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, will oversee the administration of the allocated budget. These entities are tasked with coordinating and monitoring the Cultural Tourism Plan in Peru in collaboration with UNESCO.
Further emphasizing the importance of this financial boost, the ministry reported a significant uptick in international tourist arrivals. By the end of the year’s first quarter, Peru had welcomed 768,416 international visitors, marking a 62.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This resurgence in tourism is a hopeful indicator of the sector’s recovery trajectory.
Key markets driving this influx include neighboring Chile, the United States, Ecuador, and Bolivia. These countries represent a crucial segment of Peru’s tourism economy, underscoring the strategic importance of regional connectivity and international ties in the sector’s revival.
Enhancing Peru’s Appeal
Peru’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned historical sites like Machu Picchu make it a prime destination for global travelers. With the government’s latest financial commitment, the country is poised to enhance its appeal and accessibility, ensuring it remains a top choice for international and regional tourists.
Also read: Peru Allocates $9.7 Million to Boost Cultural Industries
As Peru continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of post-pandemic recovery, the strategic focus on tourism illustrates a broader commitment to economic resilience and sustainable development. The government’s proactive measures, including substantial financial investments and strategic partnerships, are integral to revitalizing one of the nation’s most vital economic sectors, ensuring that Peru remains vibrant on the global tourism stage.
