Next
year Machu Picchu celebrates its hundredth anniversary
since its formal discovery. What are the expectations
for business?
High expectations, which is why we are already
working on Machu Picchu’s re-launch, with
strong media content. What we're looking for is
a similar wave of growth of visitors that was
generated in 2007, with the announcement of the
new seven wonders of the world, which was hurt
by problems of nature the beginning of the year.
How many visitors will we have this year, considering
the temporary closure due to rains?
Not even 450 thousand tourists. Almost half
of our total capacity. That is why it is important
to double this number for next year and we seek
to do it with this big event.
What will be the most important activities?
We are organizing an exhibition on native birds
in November, and in December, we will have an
open event on spectacled bears. In February,
we will have the orchid International Seminary
since there are 200 varieties of these exotic
flowers in Machu Picchu. In May, we will discuss
the impact of tourism on Machu Picchu, for which
we will bring experts from other reserves such
as Galapagos.
And in July, you will have the main event…
Exactly. The event will begin July 7, the main
day of the hundredth anniversary, and it will
last five days. We are preparing a show that
will undoubtedly give something to talk about,
with a traditional theme where there will be
a flight of the condor, lights and more; all
this from the highest point of Machu Picchu,
in a presentation for 500 people.
Will the international press be among those
500 participants?
We have invited 200 media outlets to visit us
during those dates with all expenses covered.
Among this group there are journalists of the
most important newspapers of Spain, United States,
England, as well as important channels like
ABC and BBC. The national press will, of course,
be part of the event too.
How will Peruvians participate?
It will all be transmitted live on national
TV and, simultaneously, there will be activities
in Cusco's main square, as well as in Lima and
many other provinces so that every Peruvian
can see it and feel proud. |
