Measures implemented by the government, such as the visa waiver for Chinese nationals, will help double Peru's receptive tourism from current 3.5 million visitors to 7 million, National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) announced.
"All measures to promote tourist inflow from China, or from other countries, will help reach the State's goal of doubling tourism by 2021," Canatur Head Fredy Gamarra said.
Weeks before, Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski assured his administration will promote a comprehensive strategy to double tourist flow into Peru aimed at generating more income, jobs and trade volume.
Peru welcomes 3.5 million tourists a year, whereas other countries such as Spain register 60 million visits.
Chinese airlines
"In this sense, we welcome the meetings held between Peru's Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister and Chinese airlines, as well as companies interested in investing in our country's tourism sector," Canatur's Head told Andina news agency.
"We are hopeful said negotiations will translate into concrete effects on the sector shortly," he added.
The increase in Chinese visitors will depend on the number of airlines "we get to register, as well as flight frequency" and the fleet of the airline.
"Last year, close to 20,000 Chinese tourists entered Peru. We expect to raise that number to 50,000 in two years," he pointed out.
World Tourism Day
Within the framework of World Tourism Day (September 27), a number of prior activities are being prepared, Gamarra announced.
Travesia [meaning 'journey'], Peru's adventure and eco-tourism fair, was presented on Sep 12. Likewise, a gathering of regional chamber of tourism heads will be held on Sep 26.
The central day will be commemorated with a meeting at the Government Palace, and a tourism and transport forum has been scheduled for Sep 29.
September 27
Ever since its inception, World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 1980 to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
As the official day set aside in the United Nations Calendar, this year's celebration seeks to highlight tourism's potential to contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing some of the most pressing challenges society faces today.
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