Peru achieves 17% year-on-year growth in UK visitors

Peru has achieved 17% year-on-year growth in UK visitors, according to the deputy director for incoming tourism at Promperu.

Ricardo Baraybar said the number of visitors in the period from January to September this year totalled 51,390.

“We’re very happy with that, because it’s increasing,” he said.

He added that the average length of stay for UK travellers in Peru was 15 days, with British tourists spending an average of around £1,750 per visit.

“UK travellers are visiting the normal destinations on Peru’s south circuit – Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and Puno – but also two new regions we are promoting to diversify the destination: the desert region of Ica, north of Lima, and Ancash in the Andes,” he said.

The UK is Peru’s second most important market in Europe, behind Spain, Baraybar noted.

To promote alternative regions in Peru, the tourism board is hoping to invite a selection of UK adventure tour operators to the country next year for a fam trip and roundtable event in Madre de Dios, in Peru’s Amazon region.

Baraybar also said Promperu is currently running a digital campaign to highlight the destination’s potential as an adventure tourism destination for British travellers.

Next year will also see investment in training, marketing and campaigns for the UK trade, with details soon to be announced via Promperu’s UK office.  

The comments came despite the Foreign Office confirming on Monday that a state of emergency in Peru had been extended for a further 30 days from November 22. 

It covers Ayacucho, Callao, Cusco, Junín, Huancavelica and Lima. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said in updated travel advice: “Avoid large gatherings and protests. There will be increased security patrols and a visible presence of armed forces on the streets. 

“Follow the instructions of police and local authorities.”