The Peruvian Government on Tuesday formally announced its interest in hosting the Dakar Rally 2018, deemed as the world's hardest race.
The official announcement was in charge of Ministers Eduardo Ferreyros (Foreign Trade and Tourism) and Salvador del Solar (Culture).
At the event, Ferreyros recalled his meeting with Dakar's organizer Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
If successful
The international sports event will promote the Andean nation as a tourist destination and put it before the eyes of nearly 190 countries.
In this sense, Asian countries account for 40% of the total audience interested in this competition. Those nations agree with Peru's policy aimed to draw more tourists from their territories.
A bill has already been submitted, in order to declare the Dakar Rally an event of national interest, government officials confirmed.
In addition, Peru expects to make US$300 million in profit on the occasion from lodging, food and transportation-related activities, among others.
The Dakar Rally 2018 will host 750 competitors, among them 40 Peruvian representatives.
(END) JAM/JHM/MVB