Good results of the Technological Innovation Centers for Handicrafts and Tourism in Peru

09-12-24

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León, pointed out that the Technological Innovation Centers, CITE, for Handicrafts and Tourism have so far this year benefited more than 4,400 citizens in different regions of Peru.

This was mentioned during his participation in the Tenth Ordinary Session of the Science, Innovation and Technology Commission of the Congress of the Republic, where he went to give details of Mincetur's work on the CITEs. 

In this regard, he stressed that the work carried out by the Technological Innovation Centers is of utmost importance, because through them artisans and entrepreneurs in tourism are offered various instruments, tools, skills and experience in innovation and technology transfer. In the same way, their competitiveness and supply is boosted and commercial articulation is promoted. 

'I would like to highlight the role of the CITEs of Crafts and Tourism and the services they provide. Continuing and improving these services will allow us to continue showing the world our cultural identity, in addition to boosting the local economy, as well as that of the families and communities involved,' said Minister Desilú León. 

It is important to take into account that of the total number of artisans served by the CITEs of Crafts and Tourism in the regions of the country, 56.7% are in poverty and extreme poverty.

Because of this, it is significant to contextualize that a large number of beneficiaries of these centers are Peruvians who want to achieve greater welfare through their work.

Empowering the CITEs During her presentation at the Legislative Palace, Minister Desilú León explained that the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) currently has eight Technological Innovation Centers for Handicrafts and Tourism, including the CITE Huancavelica that was reactivated last October, after being out of operation since 2021. Thus, there are four Private CITEs (Piura, Amazonas, Arequipa, Puno and Huancavelica is added.

There are also 3 other Public CITEs (Ucayali, Ayacucho and Lambayeque).  In this regard, it is important to note that simultaneously in the city of Chachapoyas - Amazonas, the IV Annual Meeting of Executive Directors (RADE) of the CITEs of Crafts and Tourism under the scope of Mincetur was being developed, this being the first decentralized meeting, which will take place in that city from December 2 to 4, a space that allows to discuss the representatives of the eight (8) CITEs, technical assistance and actions of innovation and technology transfer in the more than 226 districts and 9 tourist destinations of intervention that they have nationwide. 

The importance of the CITEs of Crafts and Tourism is undeniable. We have proposed to expand their coverage and that will be a goal of this administration. We have been working for the creation of three new centers', revealed the head of Mincetur. 

It should be noted that these new centers will be located in Maynas, Catacaos and Apurimac. In the case of Maynas it is expected to start operations in 2026, Catacaos in the first half of 2027 and Apurimac in 2028. 

Also, Mincetur has been working on 'the repowering of the Technological Innovation Centers for Handicrafts and Tourism located in Quinua, Sipan and Ucayali'.

Regarding Quinua, work is underway and is expected to be completed in January 2025. The Ucayali and Sipán CITEs will undergo infrastructure and equipment interventions and are expected to be open to the public in 2028.