High local tourism expectations for Easter Week: project an economic impact of US$195 million

During Holy Week, a significant number of families and individuals take advantage of these holidays to embark on trips, mostly to local destinations within the country. According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), during the Holy Week holiday in 2023, around 1.2 million tourists were mobilized nationwide, generating an economic impact that exceeded US$ 157 million. For this year, an increase is projected in both the flow of tourists and the economic impact, with the latter estimated at US$ 195 million. These figures demonstrate the potential that the tourism sector has during this festivity, not only in terms of mobilizing people but also in the economic revitalization of different regions through commercial activities related to tourism. According to economist César García from the Network of Studies for Development (REDES), Holy Week emerges as a key opportunity to promote domestic tourism and stimulate the economy at the regional level. According to Mincetur statistics, in 2023, 65% of Peruvians planned to visit other regions of the country during Holy Week, while the remaining 35% chose to explore tourist areas within their own region. For this upcoming long holiday, significant numbers of visitors are expected in some regions, such as Arequipa, which could receive around 40,000 tourists, and Piura, with an estimated 20,000 visitors. As for the average spending per person for this Holy Week season, it is estimated to be around S/ 1,100, representing an increase compared to the S/ 800 spent on average per tourist the previous year. Given the prospect of an increase in tourism activity and in order to manage the budget during a trip at this time, economist César García offers six financial tips: 1. Create a detailed budget to know how much can be spent without affecting monthly fixed expenses. 2. Establish maximum amounts for expense categories such as accommodation, food, transportation, etc. 3. Look for centrally located accommodations and share expenses with groups, for example, through platforms like Airbnb. 4. Explore the destination on foot to save on transportation costs and immerse oneself in the local culture. 5. Opt for local food in markets and stalls to save on meals. 6. Identify free activities in the destination to enjoy the local experience without incurring significant costs. Planning ahead, comparing costs and services, as well as taking advantage of the various tourism options offered by the country, can ensure an enjoyable trip that fits within the budget. In destinations like Arequipa and Cusco, there are multiple tourist attractions to explore that will enhance the Holy Week experience for those who decide to embark on a trip during this holiday.