Interview with Fernando Alvareda, Commercial Attaché, Embassy of Peru in Japan: ‘Not Just Machu Picchu and Nazca’

The Peru Government Tourism Office held a media seminar on September 19, where Fernando Alvareda, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Peru in Japan, responded to an interview about the present and future of Peru.

– Characteristics of Japanese tourists traveling to Peru
Due to the Spanish-speaking nature, Japanese travelers often require a guide, hence tours are preferred. Traditionally, the older demographic was predominant, but recently there has been an increase in younger people and high-income travelers.

– Trends in tourist numbers from Japan and other countries before and after COVID
Annual tourist numbers exceeded 4.3 million in 2019, but last year they were about 2.5 million. The number of Japanese tourists was over 40,000 in 2019, and about 11,000 last year, but this year it has already exceeded 13,000 by August, showing a trend towards recovery. Post-COVID, the proportion of FIT (Free Independent Travellers) has expanded from 20% to about 40%.

– Who do you wish to enjoy Peru in the future?
Peru is often thought of for Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines, but there are many other archaeological sites, and 13 of them are registered as World Heritage Sites. You can enjoy over 5,000 years of history.

Also, with an increase in high-income travelers, and the presence of luxury travel companies, such tours are also welcomed. We hope everyone can enjoy Peru over an extended period.

Furthermore, we are planning to exhibit at next year’s Osaka-Kansai Expo. We will showcase Peru’s future through experiential content such as VR, not just history, but also biodiversity and agriculture. We are preparing a large pavilion of 300 square meters and look forward to welcoming everyone, so please come and experience Peru.