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Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Fri Apr 30

Peru among top 10 tourism countries in the world

Lima.- Peru has been included as one of the top 10 best countries in the world under five tourism categories including culture, art, natural beauty, and archeology, reported Friday Peru’s Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Martin Perez.

"There are different tourism categories including culture, art, natural beauty, archaeology, among others, and we rank among the top 10 countries in the world, no doubt this is a challenge," he said.

Peru ranks third worldwide in art and culture, and also occupies a leading position in natural beauty.

"We are among the best in the world under five separate categories," he emphasized.

Peru’s inclusion in the top 10 list was based on this year's Country Brand Index (CBI) survey, which is an in-depth study that explores the complexity, dynamics and benefits of how nations manifest as brands and identifies emerging trends in the worldwide travel and tourism industry.

The Peruvian Minister made these remarks after holding a meeting with the Peru-Spain Parliamentary Friendship League at the Congress.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=FTE3sLo3e/8=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Fri Apr 23

Peru's Deysi Cori to face world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in Machu Picchu

Lima.- Peru's U-16 world champion Deysi Cori Tello announced she will play reigning women's world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

“I’ll have a match against women’s world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in Machu Picchu within a month. It’s going to be very interesting. I’m already training,” Daysi told RPP radio.

Deysi Cori, the only female player from Peru to hold the Grandmaster title, said she just spent three months in Europe together with her brother Jorge training for the upcoming international chess competitions, such as the Chess Olympiad in Russia and the World Junior and Girls U20 Chess Championships in Poland.

In November 2009, Daysi and Jorge Cori obtained the title of chess International Grandmasters in the U-16 and U-14 categories respectively at the last World Youth Chess Championship 2009 in Turkey.

The siblings were honored by the government in December 2009 for their accomplishments, and each of them received a check for 15,000 soles and a laptop; as well as US$ 22,000 for their trips during 2010.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=v2SdodkLKY8=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Wen Apr 21

About 70,000 tourists visit alternative attractions to Machu Picchu

Cusco.- Some 70,000 Peruvian and foreign tourists have visited alternative archaeological sites to Machu Picchu so far this year, the head of Cusco's Committee on Tourist-Cultural Integrated Services (Cosituc), Orlando Olivera, said Wednesday.

Around 30 percent of visitors were Peruvians who took advantage of Cusco Pone (Cusco Rocks) campaign, launched by the government after the temporary closure of the Inca citadel due to heavy rains.

Olivera said that despite the difficult situation, tourists continued to arrive in the Imperial City, which was visited by about 35,000 people only in March.

"The most visited alternative sites were Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Tipon, Pikillaqta, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Chinchero, as well as the museums," he pointed out.

Cosituc collected 5’227,000 soles from the sale of tourist tickets. The money was transferred to district and provincial municipalities, Cusco’s National Institute of Culture (INC), and the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur).

The Cosituc official explained that the money will be invested in the maintenance of access roads to Pisac, Tipon and Qenqo; the preservation of Inca ruins; and improved health and safety services for tourists.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=IOrhYBsIFF8=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Tue Apr 20

Peru to invite Sandra Bullock to boost tourism in Machu Picchu

Apr. 20.- As part of the campaign planned to boost tourism in Peru, authorities are assessing the possibility of inviting Oscar winner Sandra Bullock to visit Machu Picchu Inca citadel, alike US actress Susan Sarandon, Peru's Foreign Trade Minister Martin Perez said Tuesday.

“We are trying to contact her agents so she can join the group of famous people we seek to attract to Machu Picchu; our campaign continues,” he said.

Perez pointed out that the visit of famous American actress Susan Sarandon for the reopening of the Inca citadel had a huge impact overseas, which demonstrates that this type of campaigns produced positive results.

According to Peru's Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru), the visit of Susan Sarandon, had a great advertising impact of several million dollars, having international media coverage in different languages.

“The idea is that every 2 months we can attract one celebrity, and we will continue along this year,” he added.

Other future possibilities are Sting, lead singer and bassist of the rock music band The Police; American film director and film producer Steven Spielberg; and also Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=Z1Gr1SjZSHY=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Fri Apr 16

International opera festival artists visited Machu Picchu

Cusco.- Members of the International Opera Festival Alejandro Granda visited the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, in Cusco, as soon as they heard about the reopening of this tourist attraction.

Mezzo soprano Daniela Barcellona, tenor Dmitry Korcha and orchestra director Alessandro Vitiello arrived for the first time to the Imperial City and were captivated by the energy of the place.

After the trip, artists will meet with the rest of the cast to start rehearsals on Saturday.

Barcellona will interpret Leonor , which is the leading role of “La Favorite”, second title prepared for the festival, and Korchak will act as Fernand. The presentation will take place at the Municipal Theatre of Callao.

“La Favorite” will be opened on Aril 30. Other presentations are scheduled for May 2 and 4.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=qtIYZO7Nxdk=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Wen Apr 14

Machu Picchu could be part of the new attractions of Disney

Cusco.- A replica of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu could be part of the new attractions in Epcot Center of Orlando, said Kristi Breen, manager of college and international recruiting at Disney World.

The visitor signed an internship agreement with businessman Raul Diez Canseco in which the chefs of Disney will visit Cusco in order to share their experiences on Peruvian and international cuisine.

This agreement was signed after inaugurating the new premises of San Ignacio de Loyola University near Cusco’s Main Square.

According to Diez Canseco, the possibility of placing a replica of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Disney’s Epcot in Orlando was talked with Breen.

“It would be like a presentation letter for the range of archaeological and cultural sites that Peru has”, indicated the businessman after highlighting that there is disposition from Disney.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=+BK6DRdSEAk=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Tue Apr 13

Other tourist destinations emerge in Cusco to diversify tourism industry

Lima.- In order to diversify the tourism industry and attract additional visitors to Cusco city, the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) is now involved in the promotion of various alternative tours to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, said regional tourism director Victor Hugo Perez.

"We have always tried to promote more destinations in addition to Machu Picchu, but we are aware that the Inca citadel is a world-ranked international site; however, after the impact of natural disasters, our aim is to promote other sites," Perez pointed out.

According to the official, the tourist circuit of Anta, located on a beautiful plateau 25 kilometers from Cuzco, encompass the agricultural and livestock potential that supplies food to citizens in the capital. The area also gathers colonial churches.

Dircetur will also encourage tourists to visit the archaeological complex of Choquequirao that, according to research carried out in the area, was built during the era of Inca Pachacutec.

The complex consists of nine blocks of stone. It also features terraces, rooms and irrigation systems. It will be an alternative for adventure travel," he said.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=fe/VEpnc4/w=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Tue Apr 06

Machu Picchu receives some 1,500 tourists daily since reopening

Lima.- The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu receives some 1500 visitors a day from Thursday, when it officially reopened to domestic and foreign tourists, reported the manager of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu Marco Palomino.

Most visitors are European -mainly French and British- and Latin American -Argentine and Brazilian. Domestic tourists are mainly from Lima.

"Visitors have great expectation of seeing Machu Picchu due to its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the recent events," Palomino said adding that he noted the presence of families, young people and even seniors.

He said maintenance and restoration works were undertaken during the closure of the famous citadel, mainly in the area of mount Huayna Picchu.

According to Palomino, the Institutional Image Department of the National Institute of Culture (INC) in Cusco will soon issue a statement with further information on the subject.

Heavy rains caused the Vilcanota River to rise to its highest level in 25 years, flooding roads and destroying the railway near the famous Inca citadel, which forced the closure of this tourist attraction for the past two months.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=KAqDUDELkW4=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Thu Apr 01

Machu Picchu chosen as symbol of OAS General Assembly in Lima

machu picchu oea Lima.- An image of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu will serve as the central symbol of the XL Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, which will be held on June 6 to 8 in Lima, Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde said today.

The meeting will take place at Lima’s Museo de la Nación (National Museum), which also served as the venue for the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EULAC) Summit in May 2008.

"Machu Picchu, as expected, will be the symbol of the 40th OAS General Assembly," minister Garcia Belaunde said after a special session of the OAS Permanent Council this week.

On Tuesday, the Peruvian minister presented to members of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) the theme “Peace, Security and Cooperation” which was proposed by his government for the XL OAS General Assembly that will be held on June 6 to 8 in Lima.

In his presentation, the Peruvian minister explained that the proposal to host the XL General Assembly was part of “a series of activities organized in Peru to show the country’s commitment to the inter-American system and institutions” and noted the significance that the proposed theme has for his country and for the rest of the hemisphere.

Fuente:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=pdAw8Z8rfqU=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Thu Apr 01

Over 1,200 tourists visited Machu Picchu on its reopening day

Lima.- On its reopening day, over 1,200 tourists visited Peru's top attraction Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel of declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity, reported the director of Peru's National Institute of Culture (INC), Cecilia Bákula.
Machu Picchu was closed during 66 days due to torrential rainstorms in late January that washed out rail lines, the only access to the historic Inca citadel besides days-long hiking.

Since January 24 until now, the main accesses to the city were improved to host a bigger number of tourists.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=6kKqYgMWadQ=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Thu Apr 01

Susan Sarandon invites Hollywood actors to visit Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Lima.- US actress Susan Sarandon seemed very greatly astonished at how amazing the citadel of Machu Picchu looked. Astonishment resulted in her inviting Hollywood actors to visit Peru and the Inca sanctuary.

To the rhythm of pututos (conch shell used as trumpets in Andean religious music) and in the midst of people wearing typical costumes, the Oscar award winner said Machu Picchu is “beautiful and impressive".

Sarandon added that she really liked Cusco and Machu Picchu, and that she would love to come back someday.

The renowned celebrity was awarded the Order of the Sun of Peru, a distinction that involves commitment to service, protection and conservation of the sanctuary.

The town’s mayor, Edgar Miranda, seemed grateful for her visit and named her as “favorate daughter of Machu Picchu”.

The actress also signed the Golden Book of distinguished visitors who come to the citadel, named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. She took pictures with children wearing local costumes.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=D+wsZn7ri+k=

Machu Picchu - Cusco - Peru News

Thu Apr 01

Machu Picchu reopens today, welcomes visitors with music and folklore

Lima, .- Machu Picchu, Peru’s mayor tourist attraction and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, is set to re-open today with a ceremony to be attended by government officials, special guests, including actress Susan Sarandon, and many tourists.

Visitors will be greeted with a welcoming ceremony, in which folklore groups and children with traditional costumes and flowers will participate in.

The encouraging expectation generated by the imminent reopening of Machu Picchu revived tourism in the area after severe flooding -caused by heavy rains earlier this year- affected the train line to these ruins forcing it to close.

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon will visit the Inca citadel to precede the official reopening ceremony, announced last night Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Martin Perez.

Peruvian minister said the news about the re-opening of this UNESCO World Heritage site has generated great expectation among globetrotters.

“One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the citadel of Machu Picchu, reopens this Thursday to the public,” reads a BBC report.

Meanwhile, Europa Press reported that "the Inca city of Machu Picchu in the southeastern Cusco region will reopen Thursday with a series of welcoming ceremonies for the first visitors to this archaeological site since being closed by heavy rains that caused a series of landslides in late January."

Peru’s National Institute of Culture (INC) pointed out that local authorities have taken all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists.

Source:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=oivKU0VQjvg=