MACHU PICCHU'S CRISIS SPOTLIGHT: PROTESTS IN PERU EXPLAINED

Many tourists became stranded due to the ongoing strike by the local population for the third consecutive day.

In recent days, this protest has been escalating as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s digital sale of tickets to the Inca citadel through Joinnus. As a result of this measure, hundreds of travelers have had to halt their journey to the archaeological sanctuary.

Opposers’ POV:

Business owners and professionals in the tourism sector in Cusco expressed their support for the government’s implementation of the electronic ticketing system for the Machu Picchu citadel.

“We deplore that self-appointed leaders claim to represent the people of Cusco, its business community, in a violent manner and with fallacies such as a nonexistent privatization, deceiving the population for the achievement of their subordinate purposes,” they stated in a joint statement.

Likewise, they lamented the acts of violence resulting from protests in the city of Cusco by individuals who oppose the measure implemented by the Executive.

“The business owners from Cusco express our support for the government’s decision to implement an electronic system that is transparent, modern, and auditable, similar to those found in any tourist destination worldwide. This marks the end of mafias and poor ticket management to Machu Picchu, which has resulted in the loss of millions of soles that do not contribute to the state’s coffers for the care and development of our wonder,” they added in an effort to have the Protests in Peru explained.

In conclusion, they urgently call upon the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), the Public Ministry, and the Ombudsman to take “concrete and immediate” measures to uphold the rule of law, safeguarding the integrity of visitors.

“In recent days, demonstrators have taken to the streets across Cusco, particularly in Machu Picchu town, to oppose the introduction of a new ticketing platform. Clashes with the police, injuries, and the disruption of railway tracks led to the halting of several trains transporting tourists.

Carlos Gonzales, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of Ollantaytambo, reported to a local radio station that an estimated S/3 million soles have been lost across Cusco due to the protests in the sanctuary.”

Stalled Tourists:

As detailed to the Andina news agency by the mayor of the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, Elvis La Torre Uñacori, the evacuation of national and foreign tourists will be carried out by train, in coordination with the PeruRail railway company and the National Police.

Starting today (Saturday 27), at least eleven train cars will depart with tourists to Ollantaytambo and then to the city of Cusco. “Yesterday, I acted as a mediator with the protesters, making them understand that tourists had to leave and not disrupt their travel itinerary for their return via national or international flights. The population has understood and chosen evacuation,” emphasized the mayor.

As he indicated, until yesterday, there were more than a thousand visitors who, given the situation, and to a lesser extent, decided to walk along the Amazon route from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Hidroeléctrica to avoid protests on buses or other vehicles using the asphalt route Santa Teresa-Santa María-Cusco.

Despite the ongoing rainfall affecting the population, the protesters persist in carrying out demonstrations and protests as part of the indefinite strike that commenced last Thursday.

Government’s take

On the other hand, at the close of yesterday’s protest session, the mayor reported that his office requested the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) to set up a working group to seek positive solutions and explore the possibility of advancing the termination of the Joinnus contract.

In this context, the mayor stated that he will ask the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) to repeal article 7 of ministerial resolution 528, which refers to the hiring of a logistics operator, a private company, among other points.

“Everything is in the hands of the Minister of Culture. I believe that all authorities have expressed their position in defense of Machu Picchu, and to prevent further conflict and aggravation of the issue, it is necessary for the minister to speak out because the company’s (Joinnus) position already exists,” added the official.

As the protests against the authorities persist, there is a possibility of a shortage of food in Machu Picchu Pueblo, which is usually transported by rail. It is worth mentioning that this route is suspended, except for the evacuation of tourists by Ferrocarril Trasandino S.A.

Culture Ministry’s Damages Control

Urteaga expressed her willingness to travel to Cusco to facilitate dialogue among various authorities and stated that the goal is to manage a service directly administered by the Peruvian state.

This clarification arises amid speculations about a possible privatization of the system. Additionally, she highlighted the selection of Joinnus, a temporary digital platform valid until August 2024, chosen for its cost efficiency, to meet immediate demands in ticket sales.

Devastation in the Travel Industry

Tourism is being the main victim of the indefinite strike.

Hundreds of tourists were left stranded with no possibility of accessing the site or returning to their origin, prompting authorities to intervene and relocate them.

Several media outlets published images of tourists completing their journey to Machu Picchu on foot and in the rain.

Carlos González, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of Ollantaytambo, another key access point to the ruins, estimated that up to 1,800 tourists needed to be evacuated.

The Ombudsman’s Office in Peru “rejected the blocking of roads by the protesters” and insisted that “any claim must be channeled through dialogue.”

The right to protest “does not empower demonstrators to impede free transit or affect the rights of others,” they added.

More Money, More Problems

To see the protests in Peru explained, we need to attend to the economic factors.

The closures also harm the local economy.

Roland Llave, dean of the College of Tourism Professionals in Cusco, told the Peruvian radio station RPP that “the impact is in millions of soles” for the region’s family economies, which largely depend on the flow of travelers providing guiding, hospitality, and accommodation services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the enchanting allure of Machu Picchu as an Inca treasure in Peru, recognized by UNESCO, has been facing multifaceted challenges.

Despite being a vital magnet for tourists, the site has grappled with issues of conservation and sustainability due to the substantial influx of visitors.

Hopefully this article’ll help to have the protests in Peru explained.

Contact us for any update, we’re involved in the current narrative regarding Peru’s world wonder.