Peru tops list of South America’s best food destinations

LIMA, Peru – For the second consecutive year, Peru has been named South America’s Leading Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA), hailed worldwide as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’.

The first Central and South American Edition of the World Travel Awards also saw PromPeru win recognition as Leading Tourist Board in the region for the third uninterrupted year.

The gala ceremony took place at the impressive Huaca Pucllana Temple in Peru’s capital Lima on Saturday, July 20, with the most esteemed leaders of the Peruvian and Latin American tourism industry in attendance.

“Being part of this important event gives us the opportunity to show the world our potential. Cultural diversity and the natural wonders of our country have enabled us to build a tourism industry that grows every year,” said Peruvian Tourism Minister Jose Luis Silva.

Minister Silva stressed that tourism in Peru has been growing at rates above other countries, with 13% in 2011 and 9.8% in 2012, while the world average is just over 3%.

As the most important award of the tourism industry worldwide, the WTA has earned the label of the “Tourism Oscar”. Seeking to celebrate and recognise companies, brands and destinations of excellence in the industry, the awards are the result of the feedback of industry members and the general public.

The event demonstrated to attendees how Peru’s ancient past coexists with modern elements, and featured music and dance performances – a sample of the living culture of Peru’s coast, mountains and jungles.

A mouth-watering menu specially designed by the renowned Chef Marissa Giulfo was a highlight of the evening. Giulfo emphasised the wealth of products and creativity of Peruvian chefs that have earned Peru its gastronomic accolades, including the title of Gastronomy Capital of Latin America.

The Gala of the World Travel Awards provides an ideal space for professionals in the tourism and hotel industries in Peru to create a network of contacts, enabling them to establish synergies with their peers in Latin America and globally.

The WTA was initiated in 1993 to recognise, celebrate and reward excellence in the travel industry, tourism and hospitality. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, these awards are the highest honour in the tourism industry.

The World Travel Awards, an event that once again attracted international attention for Peru, was possible thanks to the joint efforts of PromPeru and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).