Analysis of Destination - Peru - Case Study Example

Analysis of Destination-Peru Name Professor Date Analysis of Destination 1.0 Map of Peru Introduction Tourism is considered the largest industry in the world and one of rapidly rising sectors, representing more than one-third of the total value of services trade globally. According to Padachi, Seetanah & Rojid research of 2011; global tourism has improved incredibly from 25 million in 1950 to over 827 million in 2006 with a yearly rate of growth of 6.5% (Padachi, Seetanah & Rojid, 2011). The Travel and Tourism industry contribution to GDP is projected to increase from 9.5 percent to 10.5 percent by 2018. This growth has also been felt in Peru in the last five years. Arnaiz-Villena et al claimed study conducted by Peruvian government held that the tourists’ satisfaction rate of visiting today stands at 94% (Padachi, Seetanah & Rojid, 2011). The same research has ranked tourism as the fastest growing sector in the country with a yearly rate of growth of 25 percent in the last five years and better than any nation in South America (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2011). Most popular where tourists from include United States, Argentina, Chile, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Brazil, Canada, Italy and Spain. Therefore, this project will analyze Peru as a tourist destination in relation to tourism. The project will also describe the geographic attraction in Peru and what kind of society the tourists would find in Peru. Geographic factors of Peru Geographic factors and location has played a crucial role in the increase in number of tourists visiting the country in the last ten years. Geographically speaking, Peru remains diverse and a strategically located country with unique features for tourism experience (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2011). According to Arnaiz-Villena et al, Peru is a nation within western South America which is bordered by Colombia and Ecuador in the north, Brazil in the east, Bolivia in southeast, Chile in the south and Pacific Ocean in the west. Peru is a greatly bio-diverse nation with various habitats such as arid plains in Pacific coastal region, Andes Mountains, Amazon Basin rainforest and Amazon River among others (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2011). Numerous geographical factors have influenced and attracted many tourists to come to Peru. As stated earlier Pacific Ocean is situated in West of Peru and has continued to attract tourists to the country over the years. Some tourists come to Peru to visit Pacific Ocean so as to explore its natural features such as sandy beaches, shores, ecosystems and climate. Both Peru local and international tourists like to spend their leisure times, family time out and honeymoon at the shores of the sea (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2011). During such moments, they live in hotels, visit sites within the shores or islands and pay for the service hence contributing to the country’s GDP. Pacific Ocean attraction has also been impacted by the fact that it is the largest water body and ocean on the earth thus attracting researchers and general tourists. Countries which boarder Peru has also played part in Peru’s tourism industry. Peru has in the recent years received several tourists from Brazil; a move that has highly contributed to Peru’s GDP. Bolivia also contributes to Peru’s tourism (Sinervo & Hill, 2011). The fact that Bolivia is landlocked country makes its local and even international tourists to cross over to Peru to visit tourist attraction sites like Pacific Ocean, Amazon River, Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island. These natural attractions has also contributed much of Peru’s Tourism revenues as both local and international tourists camp to have personal experience and leisure. According Mitchell and Reid, the status of River Amazon as the longest and largest river worldwide makes it one of the most attractive features on the earth (Mitchell & Reid, 2001). The river has host flora and fauna which makes it a ground for research for tourists. River rafting is now popular among local and global tourists due to presence of River Amazon and increase of tourism activities. Taquile and Lake Titicaca are also two tourist destinations in southern Peru which contributes adequately to revenue for the region. Taquile Island is located within Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is regarded as the biggest navigable lake globally (Mitchell & Reid, 2001). In 2012, Lopez, stated that The Taquile people have become famous for their unique textiles and clothes which are very attractive to tourists (Lopez, 2011). In addition, the textile production has a history dating back to over 4500 years around Andes Mountains. Textile production has become a significant history and culture of Andes’ people. Presence of the Andes Mountain has also encouraged tourists’ activities like mountain climbing and hiking. The capital city, Lima has also played part in the attraction of tourists to Peru (Mitchell & Reid, 2001). O’hare and Barrett claimed that Lima is a major point of entry into the country with an established tourism sector and features of archeological sites, historic center, museums, nightlife, festivals and art galleries (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). The same is evident in Cusco, a city within the southeastern side of Peru which has been recognized by UNESCO as a historical and archeological city. The kind of society the tourists would find in Peru Peru’s ethnic diversity A research has demonstrated that Peru has several ethnic groups which have coexisted together for the last five centuries. The same research held that Mestizo forms the largest ethnic group with nearly 45%, followed by Amerindians who are about 33%, while 20 percent of inhabitants are Europeans (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). In addition, the country has nearly 3 percent of Asian Peruvians and blacks. Amerindians occupied Peru many millennia ago prior to Spanish Conquest. Mestizo and Amerindians have been strongly influenced and assimilated the European particularly the Spanish culture because of colonization and immigration (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). The situation means that the tourists may find intensity of Spanish culture in places like the capital city, Lima which is mostly occupied by Amerindians. Due to increase of education access, immigration and intermarriage have made Peru to appear as if they are developing homogeneous national culture majorly along the coast. Despite trying to get the national culture, the diversity is still present and small features of African, Italia, Japanese, Indian and Chinese in building, music, cooking, food and language are present (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). Language The Peruvian Constitution singles out Spanish and Amerindian as the official languages of Peru. According to Jenkins, Amerindian has different languages like Aymara and Quechua which dominate in Peru hence listed as official languages (Jenkins, 2000). Currently, 83.9% of Peru citizens speak Spanish. The status has made Spanish to be used by media, institutions of learning, companies and government to conduct business transactions. In 2004, McGrath asserted that Amerindians who resides on the Peak of Andes Mountain speak Aymara and Quechua and are considered ethnically unique people but also borrow some words from Spanish (McGrath, 2004). Religious diversity in Peru The government of Peru regards Roman Catholic as the major religion in the country. It also recognizes the role Catholic has played in historical, moral and cultural development of the country. However, the constitution allows for freedom of religion. Immigrants coming from other countries have contributed to diversity of religion in Peru. Gomez-Barris posited that today, there are religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Bahá' Faith, Islam and Seax-Wica (Gomez-Barris, 2012). Within Christianity, there are Roman Catholic and Protestants. Freedom of religion has been good news for tourists because they feel their rights of worship will not be violated in Peru. Sources of wealth and employment in Peru Majority of Peru citizens derive the income from mining which are the largest sectors in country. Many people work in mining which export minerals such as gold, Zinc and copper to China, the US, European Union, Bolivia, Japan, Chile and Brazil. Other industries which provide income to the locals include cement, energy, textiles and chemical (Lopez, 2012). Tourism is also a major source of income since it is ranked as the third largest sector. In tourism industry, people work as tour guides, hoteliers, accountants and drivers. In addition, Lopez contended that some operate individual business in services sectors like education, transport industry and real estate (Lopez, 2012). The focus on mining, fishing energy, textiles and chemical led to growth of Peru to a middle income country. How and why Peru became an important destination for travelers and tourists Peru became an important destination in 16th century as a result of human movement when Amerindians first moved to the country from Asia. Peru Travel Guide – VirtualPeru.Net (nd) noted that that over 35 percent of Peruvians have Peruvian origin. Other scholars have also claimed that the earliest inhabitants of South America originated from Pacific islands. Another human movement which made Peru an important tourist destination took place in 1513 where Spaniard Balboa saw Pacific Ocean and went further to claim it (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2010, p. 103). 31 years later, in 1544, Pizarro, another Spanish conqueror, claimed Peru and brought it under the Control of Spain hence instigating colonization, which was considered as form of the human movement. Other people who moved to Peru include Africans who worked in the plantation and soldiers. The increase of movement into Peru brought diversity in language, religion and culture which have made the country an important tourist and travelers’ destination. According to Arnaiz-Villena et al (2010, p.104) Spanish missionaries and colonialists influenced Peruvian language and brought catholic religion. Peru has possessed a significant role and different tourists potential growth, with its unique archaeological, cultural and heritage, natural sites and monuments. These resources, attractions and the tourist products create Peru’s competitive advantage, hence placing the country in an advantaged situation (Lopez, 2012). Peru’s geography such as its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, presence of historic sites like national parks, art galleries and natural feature contributed to country being a destination for tourists (Lopez, 2012). People love to spend their leisure at the sea shore and Pacific provides a platform for this. Kent claimed that the country also has Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island provide such avenue for tourists and travelers go enjoy cool breeze and spend time out of their daily jobs (Kent, 2006). Peru stability and safety have enabled the country to attract more tourists in the last ten years. The government has put tight measures to improve security in order to enhance confidence in tourists who were willing to visit Peru. Crime and general insecurity are a critical factor which often discourages tourists and travelers from visiting a place. The government also improved infrastructure leading to various historical sites so as to increase access. The Government has build roads, improved rail and air transport to make the country and towns accessible to local and global tourists (Lopez, 2012). How and why Inca heritage has become part of the Peruvian tourism product Inca heritage dates back from the time Spanish conquerors had not migrated to South America. When Inca ruled South America, they developed their own culture. Dean claimed that part of such culture is that they worshipped several gods for different needs. The Inca also had annual event called “Festival of the Sun” which was ritual for their contemporary descendants (Dean, 2011). In nutshell, Inca heritage became an important part of Peruvian tourism because it was unique in terms of culture and tourists visited due to their aspiration to understand other cultures and their people. In showing off their culture, Inca people dressed in their unique attire and dance to their music in a ceremony which was conducted for several hours (Dean, 2011). Inca heritage showed the world the how Peru has changed over the years. The heritage has offered individuals opportunities make connection between the past and the present as the world continues to change very fast. Inca heritage has become part of the Peruvian tourism product because religious practices which were done by Inca and Peruvian such as worshiping several gods. Furthermore, Ryan urged that Inca heritage has made people travel with curiosity to ascertain what they have seen in the screens about Peru culture (Ryan, 1997). Kinds of experiences tourists are able to have when they visit the Lake Titicaca region Lake Titicaca is a famous tourist destination located on border of Peruvian and Bolivian. The lake has contributed significantly towards the attraction of both domestic and international tourists over the years (Kent, 2006). Reports claim that the Lake Titicaca has a unique experience for people who want to enjoy life away from the busy and noisy cities. Kent opined that Lake Titicaca and its island provide a platform for excursions and where tourists can meet indigenous people. Such excursions offer opportunity for tourist to learn regarding the indigenous people, their lives and even purchase their artwork (Kent, 2006). While at the island, tourist can enjoy cuisines prepared by the locals and have an opportunity to stay within local houses. In addition, while in Lake Titicaca, tourists could have a chance to put on local attires and take part in the domestic festival. The difficulties the tourism industry has faced in managing tour guiding in Peru In the past, Peru tour guides have faced problems entailing access to the historical site and control of a historical by the nearby communities. Jenkins stated that Taquile is one of the historical places which had poor access because it was isolated for many years (Jenkins, 2000). The isolation was as a result of poor inhabitation. For those many years government saw no need to make improve access to the island. However, in the recent years, government of Peru has discovered potential and improved its access (Jenkins, 2000). Another challenge has been that most communities have been controlling local tourism and even access to historical sites (Ypeij & Zorn, 2007). The argument has been that they want to directly benefit economically from such attractions. The same situation has been with Taquile where local community has been in conflicts with tour guides. Image-making of the tourism industry in Peru using Postcards The image of Peru has often been depicted by children who sell postcards within the streets. These children have made postcard selling an everyday business. The children contribute the money from postcard sales to family income. In the sale process, they bargain with tourist and ask for feedback of whether their location such as Cusco is good (Sinervo & Hill 2011, p.115). In addition, the children use the opportunity to tells stories and explain the pictures within the postcards on how they relate to their personal lives (Sinervo & Hill 2011, p.131). The image being depicted here is that Peru is a country which encourages child labor. Sinervo and Hill (2011, p.133) claimed that the situation also paints the picture that country is very poor since the children sometimes ask the tourists to purchase their cards so as to have money to purchase food. Children selling postcards often try to be funny to influence tourist into buying their products. In that way, tourists believe that such children are poor but happy. The post cards also have pictures which show children with ‘ragged clothing’ and ‘dirty faces’ which points and image of an abandoned children with careless parents (Sinervo & Hill 2011, p.119). Some pictures show a number of children in a group. The pictures makes tourist think that child birth is never controlled in Peru. Sinervo and Hill (2011, p.136) posited that images of the poor kids are sometimes used to sway volunteers and non-governmental organizational from the developed nations to help Peruvian children. Brochure for a Peruvian fauna tour for international tourists Brochures are used to Peruvian as a suitable tourist destination as show below. Kinds of gastronomic experiences available for tourists in Peru A research into Peru culture, established that Peruvian cuisine of food has undergone constant evolution over the years. Ryan posited that the ancient citizens of Peru developed eating habit which inclined towards tubers such as potatoes, cassavas and sweet potatoes (Ypeij & Zorn, 1997). The Peruvian also consumed cereals and legumes like butter, bean, tarwi, chilli, tomatoes and peanut as well as diverse fruits. However, today there are other cuisines which emerged from Spain, Africa and Chinese as a result of migration into Peru. Therefore, tourists should expect diverse cuisine with native, Spanish and Chinese touch (Ypeij & Zorn, 1997). The kinds of transport tourists use to visit Peru and to travel within Peru According to O’Hare and Barrett, Peru has gone a major development in terms of transport infrastructure (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). In the 19th century, travelers mostly used railway line to visit cultural and natural attractions. However, the increase of travelers in 1960s prompted the government to improve the railways and roads so as to accommodate middle class population. O’Hare and Barrett went ahead to contend that the situation also enhanced domestic tourism (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). With further expansion of domestic and global tourism, the government has built modern roads connecting historical sites and major cities. Today, the number of flights and jets getting and leaving Peru has increased due to more tourists coming into the country. Therefore, tourists coming into Peru should expect to use road, air, rail and water transport. Lima international airport connect the county with outside world (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). The kinds of accommodation available to tourists in Peru A study conducted by O’Hare and Barrett found out that local and international developers have built hotels, guest house and restaurant where domestic and global tourist can stay during their trips to cities, towns and historical attractions in Peru (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). In places like Taquile island, the indigenous community allows domestic and global tourists to stay overnight during their visits to the area. They use such accommodation strategy to enable them sell cultural textiles and attires to foreign tourist. Taquileans have also created restaurants which are family-owned so as to capitalize on the opportunities which come with tourist stay such as providing meals and accommodation (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). The impacts tourism has on the people of Peru O’Hare and Barrett claimed that in the past, majority of Peru never enjoyed benefits of tourism due to neglect and concentration of wealth in few urban areas (O’Hare & Barrett, 1997). However, this has changed both urban and rural Peru since experts have identified tourism as a vehicle to inspire economic growth, improve the capability of the county and enhance the living standards of local communities. Briedenhann and Wickens argued that tourists prefer rural areas because of their ecological distinctiveness, cultural attractions, unique adventure opportunities and quietness and peace of the scenery (Briedenhann & Wickens, 2007). Improvement of tourism sector have boosted the economy of Peru through foreign exchange and now considered an economy hub in South America. Foreigners come to observe these unique natural scenes and pay. Conclusion Based on this research, this paper concludes that there is a vast relationship between tourism activities and economic growth of a country. Tourism industry represents a determinant component for growth, mostly in the rural areas. The government of Peru must tap in tourism areas if they want to derive economic factors like foreign exchange earnings, extra incomes, employments opportunities, and economic diversification from tourism sector. In this way, they will be able to compete with economic hub like China, the UK, the US and France. References Arnaiz-Villena, A, Parga-Lozano, C, Moreno, E, Areces, C, Rey, D & Gomez-Prieto, P 2010, The Origins of the Amerindians and the Peopling of the Americas, Current Genomics, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 103-114 Briedenhann, J & Wickens, E 2007, Tourism routes as a tool for the economic development of rural areas—vibrant hope or impossible dream? Tourism Management, Vol.25, pp.71-79. Dean, C 2011, Inka ruins and the discovery of mystery, Third Text, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 737-749. Gomez-Barris, M 2012, Andean Translations: New Age Tourism and Cultural Exchange in the Sacred Valley, Peru’, Latin American Perspectives, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 68-78. Jenkins, D 2000, The Rough Guide to Peru, London, Rough Guides, Penguin. Kent, M 2006, From reeds to tourism: the transformation of territorial conflicts in the Titacaca National Reserve, Current Issues in Tourism, vol. 9, no. 1, pp 86-103. Lopez, D.E 2012, The shifting phases of a commodity: textiles and ethnic tourism on a Lake Titicaca Island, Totem: The University of Western Ontario Journal of Anthropology, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 1-16. McGrath, G 2004, Including the Outsiders: The Contribution of Guides to Integrated Heritage Tourism Management in Cusco, Southern Peru, Current Issues in Tourism, vol. 7, no. 4- 5, pp. 426-432. 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