Peru
Unrest means a daily loss of 5.7 million euros for tourism
The political crisis in Peru, which has been going on for months, has severely damaged the country’s tourism industry. Since June last year, the losses have totaled the equivalent of 5.7 million euros a day.
The political crisis in Peru, which has been going on for months, has severely damaged the country’s tourism industry. Since June last year, the losses have totaled the equivalent of 5.7 million euros a day. (archive image)
This was announced on Friday by Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero. Up to 85 percent of trips have been canceled. Among other things, the minister referred to the situation at the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, at the foot of which hundreds of tourists were stranded.
Peru has been in a political crisis for months. This escalated with the impeachment and arrest of left-wing President Pedro Castillo in early December. Since then, the country has been shaken by violent unrest. A state of emergency has now been declared for almost a third of the Andean country, and many airports in the country are closed.
Castillo’s supporters are demanding his release and the resignation of his successor, Dina Boluarte, and new elections. More than 40 people were killed in clashes with security forces.
Tourism is of considerable importance for the Peruvian economy: It accounts for between three and four percent of the country’s economic output, and people from different social classes work in tourism.