Paracas (Peru) breaks records with more than 200,000 tourists in January 2024

20-02-24

In an impressive start to the year, Paracas has set a new milestone in its tourism history by surpassing 200,000 visitors in January 2024, reported Eduardo Jáuregui, president of the Paracas Chamber of Tourism and Foreign Trade (CAPATUR). This remarkable increase reflects the growing attractiveness of Paracas as a favorite destination for both domestic and international travelers, consolidating its status in Peru's tourism landscape.

The visitor breakdown reveals that 57,240 people ventured to the Ballestas Islands to marvel at their biodiversity, while 118,695 tourists explored the natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, a sanctuary of flora and fauna. In addition, 14,000 visitors chose Paracas for its leisure activities, including relaxing on its beaches, enjoying its outstanding marine gastronomy, especially the "Paraqueño" ceviche prepared with silverside, and having fun at its water park.

With a predominance of national visitors, who represented 90% of the total in January, international tourism also showed a significant presence, with 10% made up of tourists from the United States, various European countries and the region. This tourist flow generated significant income, reaching US$15 million for lodging, food, transfers, tourist activities and souvenir purchases.

Looking ahead, Jáuregui projects that the first quarter of 2024 could close with more than 500,000 tourists, which would set a precedent to reach an unprecedented 1.1 million visitors by the end of the year. This projection would far surpass previous records, including the 900,000 tourists received in 2019, marking substantial growth in the sector.

The potential reopening of Pisco's international airport "Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera" could further raise these figures, propelling Paracas towards a target of 1.6 million visitors. The current inactivity of the airport represents an annual loss of approximately 20 million soles in tourism revenues for the province of Pisco, which underlines the importance of its operation for local economic development.

In conclusion, Jáuregui emphasizes that Paracas is consolidating not only as the second most relevant destination for inbound tourism in Peru, after the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, but also as a central hub for domestic tourism, second only to Lima and Ica. This tourism boom reflects the unexplored potential of Paracas and its emergence as a beacon of tourist attraction, promising a bright future for the region in terms of economic and cultural development.