Two out of every ten foreign tourists who visit Peru engage in community tourism

PROMPERÚ presented the results of the study “Profile of the foreign tourist who engages in community tourism”, which reveals that 20% of tourists visiting the country include community tourism experiences in their itinerary, consolidating this segment as a strategic opportunity for the sustainable and decentralized development of tourism in Peru.

According to the study, in 2024, 432,021 foreign tourists participated in community-based tourism activities, primarily in regions such as Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa. These travelers stayed in the country for an average of 15 nights, two more than the average tourist, and recorded an average expenditure of USD 2,179, which is USD 708 more than the overall average for inbound tourism.

The typical community tourist is a young adult with a high level of education and purchasing power, primarily from the United States (28%), Spain (10%), Brazil, and France (6% each). These travelers seek authentic experiences, direct contact with local communities, and activities related to local culture, nature, and cuisine.

The study also indicates that 98% of these tourists purchase tourism services online and that 57% use tour packages, which presents opportunities to strengthen digital marketing and collaboration with tour operators. Among the most popular activities are participation in community experiences, interpretive walks, wildlife viewing, and the purchase of handicrafts (76%) and alpaca garments (66%), generating a direct economic impact on the host communities.

PROMPERÚ, an agency attached to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), emphasizes that community-based tourism contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting economic inclusion, preserving cultural heritage, and conserving the natural environment. In this regard, the agency will continue to promote initiatives aimed at strengthening local governance, business training, and the digitalization of tourism offerings, with the goal of positioning Peru as a regional leader in authentic and sustainable experiences.

To learn more about these profiles and access up-to-date information on tourism in Peru, those interested can visit www.turismoin.pe and follow the WhatsApp channel Turismo In - PROMPERÚ, where news and resources from the sector are shared daily.

Source: Promperú.