Experience the Power and Passion of Peru

In a move designed to significantly increase the awareness of Peru’s cultural, scenic and historic tourist resources the country’s national tourism board, PromPeru will stage a series of travel trade events in Sydney and Melbourne later this month. 

“Experience the power and the passion of Peru” to be staged in Sydney and Melbourne on November 20 and 22, respectively will feature informative presentations by leading tour operators including Condor Travel, Gray Line Tour, Inkanatura Travel, Lima Tours, Nuevo Mundo, Solmartour, and Viracocha.

Angela Maric, PromPeru’s Asia and Oceania Market Coordinator, PromPeru, will lead a delegation from Peru which will include the country’s Ambassador, Claudio De La Puente, Minister Agustin de Madalengoitia and Consul General, Carlos Vasquez.

Peru, known as the ‘trekker-mecca’ and famous for its Inca Empire and 10 World Heritage Sites including Machu Picchu, is the third largest country in South America. The trade presentations are expected to attract interest from top Australian travel wholesalers and retailers keen to learn more about this tourist destination which according to Maric is fast emerging as one of the world’s favourite.

“Peru is experiencing an eco-tourism boom”, said Maric.  Visitors are attracted to our spectacular coastline, the Andes where Mount Huascaran soars to 6768m and the Amazon jungle which teems with exotic plants and wildlife.  This vast wilderness area, for example, shelters more than 1800 species of rare and colourful birds, she added.

With 180 museums and 8000 hotels, Peru also has over 40,000 restaurants.  Many of these mix native traditions with those of Europe, Arabia, China, Africa and Japan to make Peru’s distinctive cuisine one of the most varied in the world.

[Pictured: The ancient Incan stronghold of Machu Picchu is Peru’s iconic destination.]

“Our country has a history spanning over ten thousand years,” said Maric.  “It is a melting pot of ancient and modern cultures, beautiful natural heritage and rich vibrant colours that appeals to a growing number of tourists.”

Peru will be placed in the international spotlight next year as it hosts the 2008 APEC Conference and while 22,356 Australians visited Peru in the last twelve months, inbound tourism is expected to rise significantly as the country’s popularity soars.

“Our relationship with Australian travellers is still in its infancy but already our research shows their appetite for our country is growing and that Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu are the most popular destinations, said Maric.

PromPeru’s presentations followed by drinks, finger food and door prizes will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 72 Liverpool Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney at 6pm on Tuesday, 20th November and at the Mercure Hotel 13 Spring Street, Melbourne at 6pm on Thursday, 22nd November.

Numerous door prizes will be presented including Peruvian souvenirs and handicrafts.  The top prize is a lengthy adventure through Peru courtesy of Lan Airlines, Inkanatura, Viracocha, Lima Tours, Solmartour and Condor Travel.  Highlights include Sandoval Lake and Tambopata National Reserve, Cusco and Machu Picchu, Iquitos and the Amazon River, the floating islands of Uros and the Tombs of Sillustani.

Travel industry representatives and media can register to attend by calling (02) 9959 3822 or (02) 9997 1526.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel and Lifestyle Editor