Peru strengthened its presence in Washington DC by becoming a country offering a diverse exportable supply, tourist attractions, gastronomy, arts and culture.
Thus, it was able to exceed exhibitors' expectations at the 49th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival held in the U.S. nation’s capital from June 29 to July 10.
"The Smithsonian Folklife Festival has served as an excellent opportunity to consolidate our presence and prove we are a diverse country," Peru’s Foreign Trade Minister Magali Silva told.
She went on to add traditional Peruvian loom pieces from Cusco's Traditional Textile Center have been acquired for exhibition purposes by the Washington-based Museum, which confirms the "goal has been achieved."
According to information provided by the Smithsonian Institute, products sold by the participating Peruvian delegation amounted to over US$1.272 billion.
It should be noted Peru was the only country to be hosted by the most important festival during the said period.
More than 120 exhibitors from the artistic and cultural movement attended this event titled "Peru Pachamama," that gathered a total of 500,000 people from all over the world.
Silva announced handicraft sales totaled US$260,603; a higher figure compared to China and Kenya's during their presentations at the same festival in 2014.
Peruvian products sold at the Washington DC Mall led to deals worth US$953,000, whereas those at the National Museum of the American Indian totaled US$319,700.
Tourism sectorAfter Peruvian traditions were appreciated at the festival, nearly 10,400 potential tourists are expected to visit Peru and lead to US$17 million in revenue.
In order to reinforce this sector, airline company LAN will launch direct flights from Lima to Washington DC starting mid-2016. Thus, Washington DC city will become the fifth destination in the United States, besides New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Orlando.
Moreover, renowned boutiques located in Washington DC and New York are interested in acquiring Peruvian retablos to put them on exhibition and sale, which will lead to establishing long-term commercial relations.
(END) NDP/HMC/MVB
Published: 11/1/2015