Tourism in Peru's northern Ancash region generates more than 238 million soles (US$84.9mn) in local economic activity every year, according to a tourism official.
Alejandro Solis Neyra, dean of the Tourism Graduates' Association (Colitur) of Ancash, said that 219,289 domestic and foreign tourists visited this region in 2013.
Of the total, 42,863 visitors were foreigners while the rest were Peruvians, he explained. "They spend on accomodation, food and tours to the main tourist attractions."
Solis said that over 80% of tourists visit the Huascaran National Park -home to Peru's highest mountain, Mt. Huascaran- and the Callejon de Huaylas, home to Chavin de Huantar, an ancient archaeological complex built over 3,200 years ago.
He noted that tourism is still one of most dynamic socio-economic sectors in Ancash and a "strategic activity to promote social inclusion, fight against poverty, preserve our cultural heritage and protect the environment.
In order to boost the tourism sector in the region, Solis announced that the 3rd National Congress of Tourism Professionals will be held on May 1-3 in Huaraz, capital of Ancash.
The event will address topics such as tourism and economic growth, poverty reduction, climate change, management of the public and private investment, among other issues.
(END) LIT/MAO/DLG/EEP
Published: 3/11/2014