Tourism Research: Peru - Case Study Example

Student Name: Tutor: Title: Tourism research-PERU Course: Institution: Tourism research-PERU Introduction Peru makes up one of the famous world’s major tourism and travel destinations that attract thousands of business travelers and tourists every year from around the world. Peru possesses a tourism infrastructure that is excellent. It has world class hotels, airports, tourist information centers, tourist destinations and roads. Thousands of seekers of adventure troop into the country to experience the spectacle that comes with tourism tours in Peru. Machu Picchu forms a mystic tourist resource that attracts many tourists to come into the country. The ancient Inca Empire civilization is depicted in the Machu Picchu resource. The Inca trail to leading to the Machu Picchu forms one of memorable adventures of tourists during hiking and trekking. 1. A map of the destinations in Peru http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/south-america/peru/ 2. Major features of the natural environment that would be interesting to tourists The Andes Mountain and Amazon Forest forms some of the spectacular natural environment that ever fascinates tourists. The origin of Amazon River is located in Peru and the rainforests offer home to some of the most diverse and important habitat on this planet (Schlecht, 2012). Peru has a rich ancestral, archeological, and historical heritage and possesses pre-Hispanic cultures which escalate in Peruvians residing in the coastal areas, rain forest, and mountains. Peru is crowned from south to north by the attractive Cordillera of the Andes with the eastern drainage directed to the Amazon basin; while its coast is bathed by the Pacific Ocean making Peru to offer a unique attraction. The Andes, which is only second to the Himalaya, rise to over eighteen thousand feet a few miles from the coast of Peru which has year-round glaciers that rise to about fifteen thousand feet. The Andean landscape that is rugged boasts spectacular jagged ranges separated vertical, vertical canyons which provide breathtaking mountain scenery which lures tourists. The Andes eastern slopes are masked in green cloud forests which receive adequate rainfall as they recede into the fabled Amazon Basin. Half of Peru lies in the vast wilderness of the Amazon basin; which is dotted by few houses and roads. 3. The kind of society the tourists will found in Peru. Culture Peru is multi-cultured. Peru depicts a rich cultural diversity. Peruvian culture seems to be sharply divided between colonial and indigenous societies-the city and the mountain. Elite white creoles trace their history back to the 1536 Spanish conquest. Most reside in Lima. Almost 45% of the population is native Peruvian. There are also people with Asian origin like Japanese and Chinese. African people also form part of the population. Language Peru official language is Spanish, but dialects and other languages are mostly used for daily communication. In Andes, people communicate using Quechua whereas other people in the same place speak Aymara. People residing in the rainforest speak over thirty different languages. Religion Being an inheritance of Spanish conquest, Peru is majorly a catholic country. Close to 75% of the population are Catholics. There is also presence of native religion which is based on the Pachamama (Mother Earth), cult of the sun, and features of nature. The percentage of atheist in Peru is quite low. Protestants’ churches have cropped up in Peru as a result of European and North American missionaries. There are also Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas, Muslim, Hindus, and Adventists. Lima: Peru Temple Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Lima_Peru_Temple.jpg Food Peruvian food comprises of majorly stews and soups, rise, corn pancakes, eggs and vegetables. Seafood is consumed even in highland areas. Specialties of locals include ceviche, lechon, sea food made in lemon juice, roasted guinea pig, and suckling pig. 4. Major heritage resources of Peru. One of the widely known heritage resource in Peru is the Machu Picchu site. Machu Picchu is one of the sites of ancient Inca Empire found in Peru. It is located in the Andes of Peru. Machu Picchu was classified as one of the UNISCO World Heritage site. It is widely referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. This the familiar symbol of the Incan Empire (Schlecht, 2012). It is the most spectacular and famous set of ruins in the entire world. A tourist visit to Peru will be incomplete without visiting Machu Picchu. The ruins of Machu Picchu were discovered by Hiram Bingham, an American archeologist, in 1911. The archeologist was led to the site by the local people. Machu Picchu is referred to as UNESCO Heritage site. Most hikes conducted in South America end up at this site. Most people who visit Peru come to see the Inca ruins which located at Machu Picchu. This is one of the most visited sites in South America. Machu Picchu is the biggest tourist attraction in Peru, and it is also leading in visitation. This was the largest capital and city of the Inca Empire. The Spanish conquered Peru, and thus taking over Machu Picchu hence fusing Inca with Spanish style. Machu Picchu which means ‘Old Mountain’ in Quechua language (ancient language of Inca), sits on top a mountain saddle above the Urubamba River in the center of the cloud forest. It was both a center of astronomic observatory and worship center as well as serving as a private retreat place for family of Inca ruler Pachacutec. Machu Picchu is divided into two main areas. The zone of agriculture consists of storehouses and terracing while the urban zone has the sacred area with temples, royal tombs, and squares (Weaver & Lawton, 2010). The tombs have been to an exceptional level of perfection. Canals and stone staircases can be spotted throughout the peculiar archeological site. In the year 2007, Machu Picchu was elevated to be considered as one of the new seven wonders in the world together with the Taj Mahal, Rome’s Coliseum, and Chinese Great Wall. The trail of Machu Picchu caused by the Inca people is one of the popular routes of trekking in Peru. This is a wonderful walk in the South America. Trekking route http://www.visitperu.com/ciudades_ing/cusco.html The route forms part of twenty three thousand kilometers of roads which were built by the Incas around South America. Every year close to twenty five thousand hikers from around the world walk on the 43 km trail that is stone-paved built by the Incas to access the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu located in the Cuzco cloud forest. The trail commences from Qorihuayrachina and it takes close to 3 to 4 days of tough hiking. The route passes through a range of altitudes. Eco-systems and climates range from high Andean plain to the cloud forests (Schlecht, 2012). The trail picks up through double highland passes before entering Machu Picchu through Gate way of the sun or Inti Punku. The granite Inca settlement forms form some of the best tourist attraction. Machu Picchu makes tourist understand the earliest civilization that existed in Peru during the rain of the Inca Empire. Tourists understand the history of the people in Peru through evaluation of their cultural heritage that is preserved in such historical sites like Machu Picchu (Babb, 2010). The government has taken a direct role in preserving this historic site of ancient Inca civilization. 5. Circumstances under which Peru became a tourist destination The discovery of Machu Picchu by the American archeologist; together with the amazing Amazon Rain forests, and the exciting Andes mountains caused a spectacle that triggered tourists influx into Peru. The tremendous archeological sites attracted scientist to come for further investigation. Some these archeologists ended up being part of the first tourists to visit Peru. Peru has a rich cultural heritage which forms part of tourist. Eventually natural attraction like the Amazon Forest and Andes Mountain formed part of the tourists’ attraction. The visitors’ flow to Huayhuash commenced in the 1970s and reached its pick in by the mid 1980s. Tourist activities shattered tourist activities for a while (Mitchell, 2001, p. 11). The Tanquile Island had an infamous political prisoner Luis M. Sanchez Cerro who later on became president of Peru from 1930 to 1931. From the year 1917 to 1931, the island was used as an exile for political prisoners. Foreign tourists commenced coming to the dock at Puno in the course of 1970s. Sailboats cooperatives were formed to accommodate the influx of tourists (Mitchell, 2001, p. 11). 6. Factors that would influence tourists to visit the destination a. Motivation Tourists are encouraged to visit Peru owing to its diverse and rich cultural background. The archeological phenomena created by the ancient Inca Empire of Machu Picchu attract tourist into the country in droves. The trekking and hiking adventure following the Inca trail into the Machu Picchu makes up unforgettable experience (Chiou, Wan & Lee, 2007, p. 146-150). Tourist filled with the spirit of adventure want to discover and experience new things in their lives. When other people who have visited Peru give their testimony, the urge to visit is ignited in others. b. Push factors Tourists escape the harsh weather in their native countries such as extreme cold weather or hot weather. Tourists want to get a good experience instead of being holed up in setting where the weather is adverse. c. Pull factors The tourists come to see the beauty of the natural Amazon Forest and the Andes Mountain. The natural beauty created by sceneries in their natural setting is irresistible to tourists. The variety of landscape is very attractive to tourists that make them visit Peru. There are a variety of sporting activities in Peru which make tourist to come to the country in droves. Ecotourism is practiced in Peru where sustainability is at the center stage of tourism activities (Beedie & Hudson, 2003, p. 628). 7. Activities in which tourists engage in Peru Andean town witnesses tourist shopping. The handicraft market is abuzz with activities as tourist throng the market to buy the souvenirs. Therefore, shopping is one of the activities that tourist engage in when they visit Peru. Hiking and trekking in the famous Inca Trail is one the best things that tourists engage in Peru. Snow-capped mountains form some of the striking vistas that tourists are rewarded with. The trekking and hiking lead to the stunning Machu Picchu which is an alluring spectacle. The Inca trail tour can take to almost seven days. Mounting climbing in Peru Mounting climbing is a challenging, but equally amazing and rewarding activity that tourists engage in. For mountain climbers who are experienced, there are technical challenges to overcome. For mountain climbers who are looking for adventure then El Mist is the best place. Snow on the mountain requires crampons and an ice ax during climbing (Schlecht, 2012). Making it to the crater of the volcano is happiest achievement of tourist. El Misti dominates the vast skyline of Arequipa. Surfing is also a main activity in Peru. Peru coast forms the best beaches. Swimming and sun bathing on beaches is the best activity for some tourist. There is international surfing spot staged in Peru. 8. Impact tourism on the people in Peru Social impact of tourism Social impact of tourism is the way in which tourism and travel cause changes in individual and collective behavior patterns, value systems, and lifestyle, quality of life, and community structures. In Taquile Island, tourism has resulted into modernization owing to tourism demands which have impacted on traditional lifestyle (Babb, 2010). There has been individualism emergence and some begging by children has also been witnessed. In Chiquian, community feelings concerning tourism has turned out to be negative which include less openness, and suspicion which is coated with inter-community relationship that are adverse (Ingles, 2001, p.153-9). Tourism encourages civic involvement and pride. Tourism leads to change in family relationships and individual behavior. There has been increase in civic involvement and pride. Tourism has increased learning of new skills and languages in order to serve the tourists. When the porters are overloaded with luggage, they end up suffering health problems. Environmental impact Tourism has led to increase in littering as people engage in handicraft making due to consumer demand. Agriculture has been neglected as a result of concentration on handicraft production. There has been exploitation in Cordillera Huayhuash due to mining. There must be an effort to protect cultural and natural environment. Timber has been logged along the Inca trail to be used as firewood for cooking. (Van den Berghe, & Ochea, 2000, p. 23-26). Forest fires have threatened Machu Picchu on many occasions. The trail is being eroded due to increase in hikers. Irreparable harm to Machu Picchu is imminent. Cultural impact Tourism provides cultural exchange between guests and hosts. Tourism enhances the celebration and preservation of local festivals and cultural events. People are changing their lifestyles to copy the visitors who come to Peru (Quinn, B, 2007, 461-4). Economic impact There has been high revenues are a result of sell of handicraft sold to tourists. The handicraft market has flourished following the influx of tourists to Peru. Tourism brings to the country foreign currency through the dollar to support community services and facilities. Balance of payment is achieved as the economic growth of the country grows. The standard of living of the people found in tourists’ destinations has improved. There has been development of infrastructure and facilities due to increase in tourist activities. 9. Kinds of accommodation available for tourists Upon arrival of tourists, they are received by a reception committee who greets and registers them according to age, nationality, and duration of stay. The arrivals are given accommodation with a local family in an adobe hut (Babb, 2010). Each household has to be approved by the accommodation committee before it receives lodging fee. Restaurants on the island are managed and owned by groups of families. These restaurants also offer a form of accommodation to tourists who flock to Taquile Island. 10. Kinds of transport tourists would use to reach the destinations in Peru. Trekking commenced in the early 1980s partially owing to presence of improved equipment for hiking such as boots and tents. Rafting and trekking in the direction of Peruvian guides form part of the vital transport to some tourists’ destinations. Boating is used for connecting city of Iquitos in the Amazonas in other places. Using train is another way of travelling. It is advisable to buy the ticket in advance to avoid inconvenience (Schlecht, 2012). 1st class the best to be booked in. People will put their luggage sometimes under their seat in front of the seat. This results into the journey being very uncomfortable. This makes tourist not to have clear picture of the landscape. The five rails available include Cuzco-Machu Picchu, Cuzco-Juliaca-Puno, Huancayo-Huancavelica, and Lima-Huancayo. Service from Juliaca to Arequipa had been suspended from 2007. Peru Rail train en route to Lake Titicaca Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Peru Inter-city travel can be achieved comfortably through bus. There are central bus terminals that are used by bus companies. Tall people like 5’ 11”, find it uncomfortable traveling by bus since the seats is tighter as compared to those of North America or Europe. First class express bus is the best. 11. Gastronomic experiences available for tourists in Peru Peruvian cuisine is made from a combination of Spanish cuisine along with traditional native Peruvian ingredients. There are influences from Italy, China, Japan, and West Africa owing to the influx of immigrants from those locations (Babb, 2010). Some of the available delicacies to tourist include Fresh maize and bean soap known as Lawa lawa, Chicharron con mote refers to fresh maize and pork fritters. Others include Chiriucho guinea pig or roast chicken, which is accompanied with omelette of toasted corn flour, salt-tried meat, algae, and rocoto chilli pepper. Conclusion Tourism industry is the third largest industry in Peru. Tourism has a substantial impact on the economic and cultural lives of the people in Peru. The irresistible natural attractions in Peru make it a perfect destination for many tourists who are looking for fun and sporting. The rich cultural heritage that is characterized by diversity forms part of tourist attractions in Peru. The Amazon Basin and Andes Mountain are among the many interesting spectacles that tourist troop to Peru to sea. Possibility of engaging in a variety of sporting activities is very enticing to tourist. Tourism will continue to play a big role in Peru as long as sustainability is observed. Brochure Statement The purpose of the promotion is to create awareness to the potential tourists about tourists’ destinations that are available in Peru. This promotion seeks to sell the tourists selling points that tourists will find irresistible when they arrive in Peru. Peru is a country which is endowed with a variety of tourists’ attractions. Tourism can be an important source of livelihood in the country if sustainability is observed. A life time experience in PERU beauty Welcome an alluring tourist destination in the world with breathtaking landscape and cultural diversity. Peru tourist destinations are the place to visit. A welcoming community and serine environment for hiking activities will ensure one gets the best out of his holiday. Welcome to the splendor of the beauty of the world! The tourist will be treated to the spectacular wonders of the world that will include: The beautiful and natural Amazon rain forest The amazing Andes mountain The mystic Machu Picchu tourist resort Affordable and comfortable accommodation; And trained and friends guides to walk one through Inca trail. Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Bibliography Mitchell, R.E., 2001, An integrative approach to tourism: Lessons from the Andes of Peru, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 9 (1); 4-28. Quinn, B, 2007, Performing tourism: Venetian residents in focus, Annals of Tourism Research, 34(2); 458-476. Beedie, P. & Hudson, S, 2003, Emergence of mountain-based adventure tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, 30 (3); 625-643. Chiou, WB, Wan, CS, Lee, HY, 2007, Virtual experience vs brochure in the advertisement of scenic spots: how cognitive preferences and orders effects influence advertising effects on consumers, Tourism Management, 29(1) :146-150. Van den Berghe, PL & Ochea, JF, 2000, Tourism and nativistic ideology in Cuzco, Peru, Annals of tourism research, 27 (1): 7-26. Ingles, P., 2001, Performing traditional dances for modern tourists in the Amazon, International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism administration, 1 (3/4): 143-159. Weaver, D. & Lawton, L., 2010, Tourism management, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Queensland. Schlecht, E.L, 2012, Frommer's Peru Day by Day, John Wiley & Sons, Melbourne. Babb, F.E., 2010, The Tourism Encounter: Fashioning Latin American Nations and Histories, Stanford University Press, Stanford. Read More

There are also people with Asian origin like Japanese and Chinese. African people also form part of the population. Language Peru official language is Spanish, but dialects and other languages are mostly used for daily communication. In Andes, people communicate using Quechua whereas other people in the same place speak Aymara. People residing in the rainforest speak over thirty different languages. Religion Being an inheritance of Spanish conquest, Peru is majorly a catholic country. Close to 75% of the population are Catholics.

There is also presence of native religion which is based on the Pachamama (Mother Earth), cult of the sun, and features of nature. The percentage of atheist in Peru is quite low. Protestants’ churches have cropped up in Peru as a result of European and North American missionaries. There are also Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas, Muslim, Hindus, and Adventists. Lima: Peru Temple Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Lima_Peru_Temple.jpg Food Peruvian food comprises of majorly stews and soups, rise, corn pancakes, eggs and vegetables.

Seafood is consumed even in highland areas. Specialties of locals include ceviche, lechon, sea food made in lemon juice, roasted guinea pig, and suckling pig. 4. Major heritage resources of Peru. One of the widely known heritage resource in Peru is the Machu Picchu site. Machu Picchu is one of the sites of ancient Inca Empire found in Peru. It is located in the Andes of Peru. Machu Picchu was classified as one of the UNISCO World Heritage site. It is widely referred to as the Lost City of the Incas.

This the familiar symbol of the Incan Empire (Schlecht, 2012). It is the most spectacular and famous set of ruins in the entire world. A tourist visit to Peru will be incomplete without visiting Machu Picchu. The ruins of Machu Picchu were discovered by Hiram Bingham, an American archeologist, in 1911. The archeologist was led to the site by the local people. Machu Picchu is referred to as UNESCO Heritage site. Most hikes conducted in South America end up at this site. Most people who visit Peru come to see the Inca ruins which located at Machu Picchu.

This is one of the most visited sites in South America. Machu Picchu is the biggest tourist attraction in Peru, and it is also leading in visitation. This was the largest capital and city of the Inca Empire. The Spanish conquered Peru, and thus taking over Machu Picchu hence fusing Inca with Spanish style. Machu Picchu which means ‘Old Mountain’ in Quechua language (ancient language of Inca), sits on top a mountain saddle above the Urubamba River in the center of the cloud forest. It was both a center of astronomic observatory and worship center as well as serving as a private retreat place for family of Inca ruler Pachacutec.

Machu Picchu is divided into two main areas. The zone of agriculture consists of storehouses and terracing while the urban zone has the sacred area with temples, royal tombs, and squares (Weaver & Lawton, 2010). The tombs have been to an exceptional level of perfection. Canals and stone staircases can be spotted throughout the peculiar archeological site. In the year 2007, Machu Picchu was elevated to be considered as one of the new seven wonders in the world together with the Taj Mahal, Rome’s Coliseum, and Chinese Great Wall.

The trail of Machu Picchu caused by the Inca people is one of the popular routes of trekking in Peru. This is a wonderful walk in the South America. Trekking route http://www.visitperu.com/ciudades_ing/cusco.html The route forms part of twenty three thousand kilometers of roads which were built by the Incas around South America. Every year close to twenty five thousand hikers from around the world walk on the 43 km trail that is stone-paved built by the Incas to access the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu located in the Cuzco cloud forest.

The trail commences from Qorihuayrachina and it takes close to 3 to 4 days of tough hiking.

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