More than 1,200 tourists were evacuated over the weekend from the most visited Inca site in the world after five days of strike by residents against what they denounce as a “privatization” of the sale of entry tickets.
Opponents launched an “indefinite” strike movement on Thursday to denounce a decision by the Ministry of Culture to use a private intermediary to manage the sale of tickets online, which they consider to be a first step towards the privatization of the site.
This collective claims that the chosen company, Joinnus, could benefit from up to $3.2 million per year in commissions thanks to the new system.
A bronca which materialized in recent days with the closure of numerous businesses and the railway operator Ferrocarril Transandino had suspended its service to the site due to the demonstrations.
A “mafia”
Conversely, the Ministry of Culture affirms that the new sales system should make it possible to control the flow of tourists and preserve the citadel, classified as a World Heritage Site since 1983. This site which welcomes an average of 4,500 visitors per day, is located 130 km from the city of Cusco and 2,438 m above sea level.
It was built in the 15th century by order of the Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438-1470) and discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.
In addition, Prime Minister Alberto Otarola suggested that a “mafia” had hijacked the current system of ticket sales at the counters for its own benefit.
To calm things down, the Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga plans to temporarily close the site at the request of the leaders of the mobilization.
“We will evaluate the collective's requests, one of which is to close the llapta (citadel).
It would be painful for everyone, but we will evaluate it,” she added.
But the government has indicated that discussions will only take place if the strike, which causes daily losses of around $263,000, is lifted.