Zurab Pololikashvili,
Secretary General, UN Tourism

“Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Peru” seeks to highlight the key attributes of the country as a tourist destination and the investment opportunities in the sector. 

Peru is presented as a window to the past, where the legacy of ancient civilizations coexists with vibrant contemporary cultural manifestations. Recognized for its impressive number of world heritage sites, Peru invites visitors to embark on a journey through its landscapes. Its rich heritage is complemented by gastronomy which is a reflection of the mix of indigenous, European, Asian, and African traditions, positioning the country as a destination of great historical, archaeological, and culinary attraction.  

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 

The first chapter illustrates the evolution of the Peruvian economy and the significant advancement in reducing poverty and inequality. In the tourism context, continuous progress is observed in the post-pandemic recovery. Despite not having yet reached the level of international tourists of 2019, in 2023 there was a growth of 25.7% compared to 2022. In addition, the figures from January to May 2024 show an upward trend, with a growth of 52.8% compared to the same period in 2023.  

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK 

The second chapter analyzes the investment landscape in Peru, highlighting a flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) that, although it moderated in 2023, continues to demonstrate the resilience and potential of the country. This correction in investment levels, after a notable increase of 102.5% in 2022, highlights the relevance of the new policies implemented to facilitate access to private investors, thus strengthening confidence in Peru's future prospects. 

Regarding investments in tourism, between 2018 and 2023, the country was among the four main countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in announcements of greenfield FDI investment in tourism. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), since 2005, around USD 621.4 million have been allocated to activities and projects in the tourism sector through the public investment budget, and around USD 93.5 million more are projected in 2024. Subsequently, the behavior of venture capital investments and related public initiatives is examined.  

VALUE PROPOSITION 

The third chapter exposes the elements that make Peru an attractive option to invest in tourism, including its archaeological, historical, and cultural wealth, its biodiversity and natural heritage, and its delicious gastronomy that allows it to offer a wide diversity in the tourist offer, aligned with environmental preservation. A summary of corporate taxes and specific benefits for tourism investments in the country is also offered. 

THE GASTRONOMY OF PERU, TOURIST ATTRACTION AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY 

The fourth chapter offers an exhaustive analysis of the evolution and positioning of Peruvian gastronomy, highlighting the opportunities that this sector presents both as a tourist attraction and as a tool to strengthen the image of Peru in the global arena. 

GREEN INVESTMENT PANORAMA 

The fifth chapter focuses on green and sustainable investments, highlighting the country's great commitment to sustainability. This is evidenced through Law No. 21992 Green Hydrogen Promotion Law, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Plan, the Green Financing and Circular Economy Roadmap, the National Strategy for the Reactivation of the Tourism Sector 2022 – 2025 and the investment and climate adaptation programs used and applied in the country. 

COMPETITIVE OUTLOOK 

The sixth chapter analyzes Peru's positioning in the tourism sector at a regional and global level and details the elements that affect the competitiveness of the sector and that make it a destination with significant potential for growth and development. 

CAF AND THE FINANCING OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY 

Finally, the action of CAF – development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean in tourism is presented, as a financing instrument to promote the sustainable development of this sector and accompany the tourist positioning of the region.