14:01 | Lima, Dec. 12 (ANDINA).
Peru has won the top honor as World's Leading Culinary Destination at the 2012 World Travel Awards held in India, Peruvian Minister of Trade and Tourism Jose Luis Silva announced Wednesday.
Renowned for its ingredients and traditional dishes, the Peruvian cuisine bagged the award after beating this year's other nominees, including Australia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Thailand and USA.
"This is a very good recognition for Peru as a destination and Promperu, and it's an opportunity for us to thank the people that voted for Peru in this category and, of course, the Peruvians that make our destination to be renowned as a culinary destination," said Promperu special projects director Liz Chuecas.
"I think gastronomy is what diversity means, starting in the Peruvian sea going through the Andes and going to the Amazon," she added.
Hailed as “the Oscars of the travel industry” by the Wall Street Journal, WTA is recognised worldwide as the ultimate travel accolade.
The World Travel Awards, with nineteen years of history, serves to recognize and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the tourism industry across the globe.
The awards cover a wide range of mainstream and niche categories and nominees are selected by votes given from tourism industry professionals.
(END) JPC/LOG/EEP
Published: 12/12/2012