Southern Arequipa is set to consolidate its position as one of Peru’s most-visited regions in 2017 thanks to new tourist routes and measures with the private sector to lure more visitors, regional Foreign Trade and Tourism Director Miguel Apaza affirmed.
In this sense, he highlighted the region will boost gastronomic routes in addition to the traditional Colca valley and historic center circuits.
"We grew 6-8% this year. Our region’s tourist profile reveals that we also welcome young tourists who come for cultural purposes, so we are working with the private sector to offer quality services," he stressed.
"Likewise, we are developing new routes such as the Cotahuasi Canyon circuit, in Union province, where we are working on access," he added.
Apaza then referred to various circuits offered in Arequipa provinces, such as the Pisco route. Comprised of Vito, Joya and Majes valleys, among other spots, the journey provides valuable insights into the production process of this grape-distilled liquor.
Other gastronomic journeys to be promoted include the shrimp route and the olive route (Yauca district, Caraveli province).
"We are working very hard; we have the cheese route in Condesuyos, highly-valued by national chefs for its unique features, as well as Lluta’s cheese in Caylloma province. And we also have the Vargas Llosa route in the historic center, so there’s a wide array of options for visitors," Apaza pointed out.
On the other hand, the regional director said efforts are also being made in nature tourism. In this segment, PromArequipa tourism unit will promote endemic species’ bird watching in Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejia (Mejia lagoons national sanctuary) and Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
(END) JCR/MAO/DHT/MVB