The Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Companies of Peru disseminated a statement in which it attributed to the Provincial Municipality of Urubamba the responsibility for the crisis in Machu Picchu, pointing out disorder in the bidding process and in the transition of the bus service on the Hiram Bingham route.
According to the pronouncement, the lack of a public tender on time caused protests and blockages that have compromised the safety of tourists and workers.
The guilds denounced that from the slopes stones have been thrown against vehicles in circulation and said that some of the settlers involved in these events have already been identified.
This statement proposes that the presidency of the Council of Ministers directly intervenes in the resolution of the conflict. Likewise, the unions requested to apply firm measures under the principle of authority against those who encourage violence and disorder, with the aim of protecting visitors and safeguarding tourism activity in the area.
The representatives of the sector noted that 60% of the Cusco economy depends on tourism and warned that the constant clashes frighten visitors, harming thousands of families that depend on hotels, restaurants, transport and other tourist services.
The guilds suggested that Machu Picchu’s historical sanctuary be recognized as national critical assets, in order to protect their strategic infrastructure. Under this figure, the continuity of its operations without interruptions would be guaranteed, which would contribute to prevent economic and social effects in the communities of the area.
The pronouncement also raises the formation of a new technical authority that replaces the current Machu Picchu management unit.
According to the unions, the new entity would have the mission of articulating the conservation of cultural and natural heritage with sustainable tourist management, promoting a permanent governance model.
