Editor’s Note
On 29 May, the 2022 International Mountain Tourism Day theme event was held online and themed on “Mountain Tourism Promotes Healthy Life and Cultural Exchange”. The event motivated the New Media network, connected IMTA members, destination agencies, enterprises, and experts from all over the world, and carried out “cloud communication, dialogue, and presentation” around three chapters — “Focus · Mountain”, “Health · Life”, and “Civilization · Communication”. Against the complex global landscape and threat from COVID-19, the event helps create a healthier and more positive atmosphere and market for mountain tourism, promote cultural exchange, friendly communication, and mutual integration among countries, to jointly prepare, build, and share a bright future of mountain tourism. At the event, Diana Pita, The Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Peru in China, delivered a speech.
Building Tourist Resorts where man and Nature Co-exist Harmoniously—a Promise of Peruvians to Future Generations
Good afternoon, on behalf of the Commercial Counselor's Office of the Embassy of Peru in China. I would like to extend my sincere greetings to you all. My name is Diana Pita, the economic and commercial counsellor of the Embassy of Peru in China. I would also want to express my gratitude towards the host of this Theme Event for providing such opportunity for Peru.
I want to send a message to you that Peru is a naturally endowed country with its diverse geographic conditions, various natural environment, and fascinating natural landscapes which have made Peru an ideal place for hiking, climbing mountains and mountain biking.
There are countless hiking routes waiting to be explored in Peru among which the most famous one is the Inca Trail. Crowning at the peak of the world-renowned Machu Picchu it provides visitors with a view of diverse natural landscapes. This is the most challenging route and receive flocks of people interested in hiking. It is 43 kilometers long beginning from the center of the ancient Inca and finally reaching the Machu Picchu heritage.
It is also a part of the large Andean road network which is an important road system linking many major cities in the Inca Empire from the coast to the plateau. The Machu Picchu differs from any other parts of the world, not only in its spectacular archaeological design and mysterious spirituality but more of its perfect integration with the nature. These have all contributed to making it the new seven wonders of the world.
As the globally recognized mixed cultural and natural heritage as well as one of the seven wonders of the world the Machu Picchu has further received a new honor in September 2th, 2021. It has become the first historical site among the seven wonders of the world as well as the first in the international tourism destinations to receive a carbon neutral certificate making it the benchmark in the course of sustainable development in the world. The carbon dioxide emission of this ancient Inca heritage site will be significantly reduced through the accreditation. This success is jointly achieved by the folk society and both public and private sectors. Its main aim is to protect the local natural and cultural heritage. The accreditation has also provided a clear and key guideline for tourism development post-COVID-19 which is centered on sustainable development and more innovative opportunities to get in touch with nature. At the meantime, the tourism product development will also protect rural communities in the long run and spur local economic activities.
As a tourism spot, the Machu Picchu is in a harmonious relationship with nature and it is very crucial for us to maintain and protect this relationship. In commemoration of this great historical site we should seek alternative ecological plans to protect it as is our promise to our posterity.
Thank you all for listening. Goodbye.
