00:00 | Paracas (Ica region), Jan. 20.
The district of Paracas in Ica region has retained its spot as Peru's fourth-most popular meeting destination, joining Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, thanks to a range of comparative and competitive advantages it holds over the others, said Eduardo Jauregui, head of the Paracas Chamber of Tourism and Foreign Trade (Capatur).
Jauregui noted the privileged geographical location, closeness to the capital city, road system, nice weather, increasing hotel and real estate investment, and the several tour services that turn Paracas into the preferred destination for high-level events like the Annual Conference of Executives (CADE), for instance.
Paracas houses 44 five, four and three star hotels and lodgings offering accommodation to suit all pockets.
Hotel investment keeps on the rise and is set to total US$100 million by 2021, when Peru will celebrate its bicentennial of independence; whereas real estate investment will reach US$200 million.
Capatur's head stressed the importance of a road system to facilitate tourism activities in Paracas. In this sense, he noted the construction of the 34.8 km Chincha-Pisco road, part of Road Network No 6.
"This new highway will cover the Lima-Ica stretch in only three hours and, while on it, Peruvian and foreign travelers will have the chance to know one of the most beautiful places along the Peruvian coastline, explore natural attractions and delicious gastronomy, try adventure sports like paragliding, sandboarding, windsurfing, kayak, and explore the vast fauna at the Paracas National Reserve," he expressed.
In addition to that, Pisco Airport will permit the landing of different sized planes, resulting in more visitor arrivals.
He went on to highlight the extraordinary microclimates provided by the wonderful beaches along the coast.
The Paracas Reserve drew 48,000 visitors in 2016 and this year the number is expected to grow to 60,000, which proves Paracas' huge potential as tourist destination in Peru.
Meanwhile, the Paracas beach area is projected to receive some 500,000 vacationers, and the goal is to attract 1 million by 2021.
Gastronomy is another highlight that makes Paracas a must-visit spot, thanks to the wide range of resources available in the Peruvian sea, one of the most biodiverse and productive in the world.
Security also stands out among the factors that make Paracas a popular destination. Besides the Pisco Police Station, officers are deployed on roads and work in cooperation with municipal security guards to ensure welfare of visitors.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/20/2017