The tourism sector in Peru has lost 5.7 million euros per day in recent months due to the political crisis in the country, announced the Peruvian Ministry of Commerce and Tourism.
Between June 2022 and the end of January, the losses
"amount to 25 million soles per day
(5.7 million euros)
in the tourism sector alone"
, Minister Luis Fernando Helguero told the press.
Interim President Dina Boluarte has ruled Peru since the December 7 dismissal by Parliament of Pedro Castillo, sparking violent protests that have left at least 46 people dead.
The demonstrators demand his departure and the organization of new elections.
His mandate was to run until 2026, that is to say at the end of the mandate that his predecessor should have fulfilled.
85% of travel packages sold canceled
Five airports have been closed in the south of the country, including that of Cuzco, access point to the Inca site of Machu Picchu, the tourist jewel of Peru.
Now Cuzco is a desolate city, with most hotels and restaurants closed, affected by shortages of fuel and some foodstuffs caused by road blockades across the country.
Many tourists have been stranded for several days around Machu Picchu.
According to the minister, up to 85% of travel packages sold had to be cancelled.
The President of Peru has declared that she wants to bring the elections forward to December 2023, and to get the country out
of “the quagmire in which we are”
.
She stressed that, as soon as the Parliament decides to bring forward the elections,
“we in the executive will immediately demand these elections”
.
“No one has an interest in clinging to power (...) I have no interest in remaining in the presidency.
If I am here, it is because I have assumed my constitutional responsibility and we will be here until Parliament (…) calls an election
,” she added.
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