Lima dressed up to kick off Peru Travel Mart 2024, the most important B2B event in the Peruvian tourism sector. The historic center of the city, with its majestic Plaza de Armas, became the stage for a historical activation that captivated everyone present. Iconic figures like "La Tapada Limeña" and other historical characters brought the streets to life, mingling with gentlemen and ladies who evoked the city's rich cultural heritage. This celebration was a tribute to Lima's essence and a perfect prelude to the event that aims to promote Peru as a world-class tourist destination.

The Colonial Heart of Lima: A Heritage Treasure

Lima's historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a true architectural gem that reflects Peru's history and culture. Its streets, adorned with colonial mansions, wooden balconies, and historical monuments, stand as witnesses to centuries of tradition and evolution. The Plaza de Armas, the city's epicenter, was more vibrant than ever during this activation, with historical figures recreating the essence of Lima from past eras.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by iconic buildings like the impressive Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, and the Municipal Palace. Maritza Montero, president of Peru Travel Mart 2024, highlighted the importance of this space in her speech: "I want to begin by highlighting one of our most precious treasures, the historic center that you have been able to appreciate tonight. This emblematic place, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a true reflection of our rich history and culture, where colonial architecture blends with the vibrant modern life of the city."

 Peru Travel Mart 2024: Boosting Peruvian Tourism

Maritza Montero, along with Úrsula Desilú León Chempén, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, and José Koechlin, president of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR), welcomed over 160 entrepreneurs from 28 countries, as well as international media and buyers who arrived in Lima for this business event. "Today we gather here not only to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our beloved Peru, but also to open our doors to all of you who have traveled from different parts of the world to explore what our beautiful land has to offer," said Montero.

Peru Travel Mart 2024, organized in collaboration between CANATUR and PROMPERÚ, aims to generate negotiations exceeding 18 million dollars in the buying and selling of Peruvian tourism products and services. The participation of companies from 28 countries reflects the global interest in Peru's tourism offerings and its potential as an investment destination in the sector.

Words from Minister Úrsula Desilú León Chempén

During her address, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Úrsula Desilú León Chempén, emphasized the importance of continuing to promote tourism as a growth engine for the country. "We have much to offer, and tourism in the country needs to be revalued because it is the engine of our nation's growth," she stated with conviction. She also highlighted Peru's efforts to recover pre-pandemic visitor levels, noting that they have already welcomed 2.5 million international tourists this year, with hopes of receiving many more in the coming months.

León Chempén also emphasized the pride of being hosts of this new edition of Peru Travel Mart: "We are extremely pleased to be here at Peru Travel Mart 2024, now in its 31st edition. We are proud to be your hosts, to showcase our culture, to walk our streets, and to introduce you to our tourist destinations, from our beautiful northern beaches to our Colca Canyon, and of course, our wonder, Machu Picchu."

An Event Focused on Sustainability and Culture

This year, Peru Travel Mart 2024 will not only focus on business negotiations but also on crucial topics like sustainability and the promotion of Peruvian culture. There will be exhibitions of iconic products such as pisco and cocoa, along with specialized seminars on decarbonizing tourist destinations, with a focus on Machu Picchu, and the promotion of cultural and gastronomic routes like the Peruvian Cocoa Route and the Andean Baroque Route.

The event has been declared of National Tourist Interest by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, highlighting its strategic importance for the development of the sector. This joint effort between the public and private sectors aims not only to position Peru as an attractive and safe tourist destination but also to promote sustainable and high-quality tourism operations.

A Promising Future for Tourism in Peru

The start of Peru Travel Mart 2024 marks a milestone in the recovery of tourism in the country, solidifying Lima and Peru as reference destinations on a global level. With the support of CANATUR, PROMPERÚ, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, this edition is expected to open up new business opportunities and strengthen Peru's position as a cultural and tourist destination of excellence.

Concluding her speech, Maritza Montero expressed her hope that all attendees would leave with an unforgettable experience of Peru: "I wish you all the greatest success, may you do a lot of business, and may you fall in love with our country. Thank you."