The sightseeing enters 2023 with many challenges. After the COVID-19 virus, which left the sector in intensive care, we had to suffer from another virus: that of the corruption and inefficiency of the Castillo government. Although the Mincetur was one of the very few cases in which the minister lasted from day 1, it was the same as nothing. The only concrete management was the appointment by hand of a clique of impromptu and unpresentable people, who neither did nor let them do. Not to mention the resounding ineffectiveness of the other key portfolios for the sector –MTC, Culture, Environment–, each one worse than the previous one.
The positive thing is that we closed the year on a much better footing. With a new minister and vice minister. With new teams in the ministry and Promperú, now made up of professional experts. This new Mincetur has been stepping on the accelerator, preparing an aggressive promotion of the Peru destination in the foreign and domestic markets. Capitalizing on the management of holidays to encourage domestic tourism. Managing an emergency fund for the sector.
Unfortunately, repairing the damage will take time. And we are going to pay the bill for the 16 months of chaos in 2023. However, it is hopeful to see that tourism is no longer adrift. But we cannot claim victory. Although the runways and airports are free, this has more to do with a commercial issue (Christmas campaign) than with a real stabilization. There is a strike called on January 4 and many groups, such as informal transporters or illegal miners, are still interested in stirring up conflicts to fish in troubled rivers. But we trust that the majority of Peruvians know that it is not outdated ideas, but the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit of Peruvians that will get us ahead. Happy New Year!