Peru's popularity expected to rocket
18th April 2012
Year on year, an increasing number of visitors travel to the South American country to sample the Amazon, hike the Andes and discover ancient ruins
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, the number of Peru-hungry visitors that travelled to the South American country increased by 9% last year; considerably higher than the global average growth of 4%. This year, it is expected to rise again by as much as 14%.
Tourism to the country has been steadily rising over the last few years. The Peruvian government is investing $450 million in tourism infrastructure between now and 2016, which is hoped to significantly affect the number of travellers stamped through immigration. It is expected that as many as 3.5 million people a year will be welcomed to Peru by 2016.
Peru has already established itself as a reputable eco-tourism destination and attracts close to one million visitors to its world-famous ruins Machu Picchu annually. 70% of all visitors trek to the ancient Inca monument, which celebrated its 100th anniversary of discovery last year.
“The lure of that jungle trail and the fabled Inca city continues to attract visitors to Peru every year,” said travel writer Rosalba O'Brien while writing an article for Wanderlust. “With some of the most stunning pre-Columbian architecture and scenery in the Americas, improving infrastructure and relative (if wobbly) stability, Peru now tops the must-see list of many travellers.”
The tourist board is now keen to tap into Peru's other diverse landscapes of mountains, coasts and deserts as well as develop other areas of niche tourism. Authorities are looking to expand gastronomy, fashion and sports tourism.
More like this
Check out our Peru travel guide for tips and advice on exploring the country | Plan a trip... More
New Peruvian conservation park to protect endangered species | News... More
Walking the Inca Trail | Destinations... More
10 things about Machu Picchu you may not have known | Inspire me... More