On November 17th-19th, the 2020 International Mountain Tourism Alliance Annual Conference opened in Guiyang. The Conference is concentrated on the theme of "The Path of Mountain Tourism Development in the Post-COVID World". During the annual conference, the participants focused on this major topic, and discuss depth in how to promote the revitalization and quality of mountain tourism after the pandemic, and provide thoughts guidance and practice support for global mountain tourism management and promotion of global tourism industry.

This Annual Conference is hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance. UNWTO, WTTC, PATA, GTEF, WTA, WTCF, ASEAN-China Centre, WCCO and other well-know international organizations and associations provided powerful support.

First of all, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Peru, I would like to express my congratulations to the authorities of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and all organizers of this important Annual Conference. At the same time, I would like to express my special thanks to them for the invitation and have the possibility to talk about Peru and its mountain tourism in a post-pandemic world. 

Peru, the land of Incas, is a country with more of 5000 years of history and is considered, like China, as a one of the main cultural focus of civilization of Humanity. Before the arrival of the Spanish people in the 15th century, a cultural process developed in Peru throughout its current territory, from the Caral culture (whose city is considered the oldest in America) to the Incas empire that covered many others territories of current countries in South America. 

Likewise, Peru is a country with great natural wealth, divided into three natural regions: Coast, Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. It is one of the 12 countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, privileged with about 158 protected natural areas. It has 84 of the 117 life zones of the planet and 28 of the 32 climates of the world. This natural biodiversity of ecosystems allows to have a very high number of species, only in terms of flora there are about 25000 species (approximately 10% worldwide). In addition, my country is recognized as one of the countries with the greatest diversity of fish, the second with the greatest diversity of birds, and third in amphibians and mammals. 

If there is something that identifies Peru around the world is that its territory is crossed by a exciting Andean landscape, in which snow-capped peaks and imposing mountains inspire peace, respect and a great desire to go exploring. 

Our country has spectacular mountains located along the Andes mountain range, which runs through much of the American continent, the highest mountains are located in the regions of Ancash, in the north of the country, and Arequipa and Cusco, in the south. 

In terms of of mountain tourism, one of the most visited places in Peru is the Huascarán National Park, located in the Ancash region, which is a protected area that houses the entire Cordillera Blanca, a mountain range where the snow-capped mountain is located. Huscarán, which is the highest mountain in Peru and as well as other moving destinations such as ravines with colored lagoons, centuries-old forests and hundreds of glaciers. The snowy Huscarán has 3 peaks, the highest is 6,768 meters. Huascarán is the fifth highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere after the Aconcagua, Ojos del Salado, Mount Pissis and Cerro Mercedario peaks. 

Another important mountain destination, also located in the Ancash region, is the Cordillera Huayhuash, considered the most spectacular of the Peruvian Andes, it is a mountainous set with 20 peaks among which is the second highest mountain in Peru called Yerupajá. Unlike other ecotourism destinations, this mountain has been minimally intervened and maintains an important environmental balance. Yerupajá, at 6,617 meters, is one of the most difficult peaks to climb, which is why it has gained worldwide fame for its imposing snow-capped mountains and chilling peaks. It is constantly visited by scientists and scholars, as well as athletes who are attracted by the fascinating landscape. 

But also in Peru you can visit mountains of volcanic origin such as the Chachani snowy Volcano, which is a wonderful destination with easy access, it can be known in just one day without having previous experience in climbing and is located near the city Arequipa, my homeland that is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Further south of the country is located the Ubinas volcano that, in addition to being a charming attraction for adventure and nature, also guarantees a lot of adrenaline since this volcano is the most active in Peru. 

However, one of the most famous mountains in Peru worldwide is Machu Picchu which means in Quechua, the native language of the Incas, "Old Mountain". At its feet is the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which is considered by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and is for Peru the main tourist attraction in the country. Many of the travelers who visit this Inca archeological city, built at 2430 meters above sea level, choose to do the Inca Trail, which is an emblematic adventure of the continent that includes the 3 fundamental factors of mountain tourism that are: 

1. Physical activity: walking (trekking) 

2. Natural Environment (Archeological city of Machu Picchu and Inca Trail) 

3. Cultural immersion (tour of archaeological remains + interaction with local people. 

Dear friends, I would like to emphasize at this point that the Government of Peru takes special importance to care and protect of its cultural and natural heritage, and has the promotion of tourism as one of its main priorities of its national policy that has an important impact on the country's economy and employs around 1.3 million Peruvians. 

Peru is a one of the most important tourist destination in Latin America. Last year Peru received about 4.4 million tourists in Lima, Cusco, Tacna, Puno and Arequipa. The tourism represents 3.6% of the national GDP. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a very negative impact on the tourism sector in my country, it is expected from this last quarter of the year to be able to reactivate the sector after having had a constant growth for more than 20 years. 

One of the most important aspects in the development of sustainable tourism in Peru is the promotion and strengthening of Ecotourism. It should be noted that in 2013, the United Nations recognized Ecotourism as a key activity to fight poverty and protect the environment, the natural wealth in Peru is perfect for ecotourism that allows you to have a most vital experience, enjoy Peruvian cuisine (one of the most internationally awarded in recent years), learn about our religious and cultural festivities, do sports such as surfing and paragliding or simply enjoy a mystical and wellness trip. 

Recently, one important news for my country was to receive the “Safe Travels” seal that certifies Peru as a safe tourist destination that complies with international hygiene and biosafety standards against COVID-19, which means the country is already prepared for the reactivation of this sector. 

The "Safe travels" seal is endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council and is a set of protocols designed under the guidelines of the World Health Organization to create a general health policy in the tourism industry and thus restore trust among travelers, with the aim of restarting tourism activity globally. 

It is worth mentioning that, after certification, Peru becomes the third destination in South America to receive the “Safe Travels” seal after Ecuador and Brazil. Likewise, Peru has eight biosafety protocols in the tourism sector prepared by the Tourism Training Center (CENFOTUR), which have followed the recommendations of world entities. 

Finally, I want to point out that today we are living in difficult times that are testing all governments and the tourism sector around the world in order to achieve a sustainable reactivation. That is why the Government of Peru has been working very hard with the different actors and institutions in the tourism sector in order to this reactivation can develop as quickly as possible for the benefit of the population. 

Before concluding with my words, I would like to express my special gratitude to all of you and wish the best of success to this event. Thank so much.