Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-ir) -- Due to the exposure Machu Picchu received during the New 7 Wonders contest, it is expected that tourism will increase greatly.

Various organizations have predicted that tourism could rise by 20 percent each year for the next several years.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism has especially been preparing for the upcoming wave of tourists. Intentions are to protect and preserve Machu Picchu as a precious patrimony and at the same time cater to tourists needs while providing them with a memorable experience.

Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Araoz has announced that two ways in which the sacred Inca Citadel will be protected is by controlling the flow of people that enter the city and by setting up determined viewpoints where people will be able to appreciate the city.

The Ministry plans to take on these tasks with the cooperation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

"The flow [of tourists] has to be administered through the planning of touristic schedules and tour routes," stated Minister Araoz. She added that Ministry is evaluating projects and plans which have been proposed and presented by several private companies.

Araoz clarified that prices to visit Machu Picchu will not increase because it has been named one of the New 7 Wonders. "There isn't any reason why prices should increase, there isn't a technical basis for a rise in prices," stated the Minister.

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