Peru, a country located in South America, is known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and fascinating history. It is also one of the most visited countries on the continent. In this article, we will explore just how big tourism is in Peru.
Overview of Tourism in Peru
Tourism has become an important industry for Peru. In 2019 alone, Peru welcomed over 4.4 million tourists from around the world. This represents a significant increase from just a decade ago when annual visitor numbers were around 2 million.
Top Tourist Destinations in Peru
Peru is home to many popular tourist destinations that attract visitors from all over the world. The most famous of these destinations are:
- Machu Picchu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Cusco: The ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Lima: The capital city of Peru and home to many historic sites and museums.
- Arequipa: Known as the “White City” because many buildings are made from white volcanic stone.
- Nazca Lines: A series of mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert floor.
The Impact of Tourism on Peru’s Economy
Tourism has become one of the main sources of income for Peru’s economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism contributed over $14 billion USD to Peru’s GDP in 2019, which represents about 7% of the country’s total GDP.
Tourism has also created job opportunities for many Peruvians. In 2019, the tourism industry employed over 1.3 million people in Peru, which represents about 7% of the country’s total employment.
Challenges Facing Peru’s Tourism Industry
While tourism has brought many benefits to Peru, it also faces some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring sustainable tourism practices. With increasing numbers of visitors to popular sites like Machu Picchu, there is a risk of damaging these fragile environments.
Another challenge is promoting lesser-known destinations in Peru. While places like Machu Picchu and Lima are well-known, there are many other fascinating destinations that are not as well-known to tourists.
Conclusion
Tourism has become an important industry for Peru with millions of visitors coming to explore its rich culture and diverse landscapes every year. While it faces some challenges, there is no doubt that tourism will continue to play a significant role in Peru’s economy for years to come.