Lima, Jul. 22 (ANDINA). Latin America consolidates itself as the engine growth of inbound tourism to Peru which expects to receive 2.2 million foreign visitors this year, Peruvian Trade and Tourism Minister Martin Perez said today.

“Latin America has become the big market not only for Peruvian exports but also to attract more tourists, that is the reason of the strategy of intensifying the trade missions of Expo Peru in many countries of the region,” he said.

He mentioned that Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) maintain the best expectations to reach this goal, despite the sector was affected during the first months of the year by the heavy rains in Cusco, the main national tourist destination.

“We will reach the goal of receiving 2.2 million foreign tourists, that is why we are making an important effort in the region. Besides, during the first semester we have grown by almost 5%. So we need to be optimistic,” he said.

He mentioned that despite the arrival of tourists through the international airport Jorge Chavez decreased during that period by approximately 3%, the entry of visitors through the south of the country grew by 20%, which is considerable.

The minister highlighted that more tourists are entering Peru from Chile, boosted by the gastronomic tourism, and mainly they visit Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Tacna and even Lima.

Fuente (ANDINA.COM.PE)