Peru: Foreign tourism expected to rise by 8% in 2014

Peru’s Chamber of Tourism released some optimistic predictions about tourism in the near future.

Foreign tourist arrivals in Peru are expected to record 8 percent growth in 2014, promoting a higher income of foreign currencies in the country, the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) has reported.

Canatur’s head, Jorge Jochamowitz, noted that during the first two months of the year the annualized performance of this important sector recorded a drop of between 8 percent and 6 percent.

“The growth in tourism has declined by 2 percentile points, after it expanded by 8 percent,” he told Andina news agency.

The tourist official cited as the reduction in travels from Peru’s neighboring countries such as Argentina and Brazil among the reasons for the decline in this country’s core sector.

“Argentina is facing an escalating financial crisis, while Brazil is retaining potential tourists as their citizens prefer to stay for enjoying their country’s FIFA World Cup which is set to kick off next June,” he said.

He made these remarks addressing the launching ceremony of Canatur’s work plan for the next two-year period, which aims to consolidate the tourism activity as a key engine of the Peruvian economy.

The government agency’s report titled “Strategic Plan for the period 2014-2016” seeks to encourage the formalization and incorporation processes of the country’s regional chamber of tourism as well as the enhancement of the tourist product.

Peru: Foreign tourism expected to rise by 8% in 2014