Peru Comes to Canada to Build on Tourism Momentum
Hit hard by the pandemic, Peru tourism is still missing about a million visitors from its peak performance in 2019. But momentum is building, and Canadian visitors are among those leading the way.
Canadian travel advisors meet with Peruvian suppliers in Toronto. brian@summers.ca
Hit hard by the pandemic, Peru tourism is still missing about a million visitors from its peak performance in 2019. But momentum is building, and Canadian visitors are among those leading the way.
To continue building excitement about a destination rich in natural and cultural diversity, a group of tourism leaders from the South American nation are currently doing a Canadian road show, with stops in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Travel Market Report Canada attended the Toronto event, where travel advisors mingled with representatives of Peruvian DMCs and tour operators, as well as the airlines that fly there.
“Canada continues to be a priority market for Peru, and we’re thrilled to see such strong interest and enthusiasm from Canadian travel advisors,” said Jaime Cardenas, Director of Promperú Canada.“
“These events allow us to highlight the range of experiences Peru offers, from iconic sites like Machu Picchu to emerging destinations and sustainable travel options that really resonate with today’s travellers.”
Among the partners attending from Peru were:
Andean Adventures – Raul Medina, Owner & Founder
Lima Tours – Andrea Ferreyra, Business Development Manager, USA & Canada
PeruRail – Naylea Boza, Inside Sales
Sun Gate Tours – David Quispe, CEO & Founder
South American Tours del Peru – Karin Mori, Sales Director, North America
Viajes Pacífico – Karen Marca, Sales Leader USA & Canada
Exploor Peru – Oliver Eberlein, Co-Founder
As well, representatives from Air Transat – Laura Albrow (Toronto) and Elysia Ohayon (Montreal) – and Copa Airlines – Laura Marin (Toronto) and Loraine Céspedes (Montreal), were in attendance to promote their offerings. Also in attendance were José Carlos Exebio from the Consulate of Peru in Toronto and Marvic Gil, Tourism Specialist at Promperú Canada.
Strong signs that Peru tourism is returning to pre-COVID heights include a 29% increase in visitors in 2024. Momentum is continuing, with a 12% increase in the first quarter of 2025. Canadian visitors are recovering too, with about 75,000 travelling to Peru in 2024, getting closer to the pre-pandemic peak of 100,000. Canada ranks 9th among Peru’s source markets.
Peru is widely recognized as a megadiverse country, meaning it holds a vast and diverse range of plant and animal species. Its rich biodiversity is due to a combination of factors, including its unique geography, which includes the Pacific coast, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon rainforest. The country is home to an incredible 1,900 species of birds.
“What makes a trip extraordinary is not just what you see, but what you feel and what you experience,” said Raul Medina, Owner and Founder of Andean Adventures. “Tourism can make a real difference, connecting people and making things better for local communities.”
South American Tours has worked exclusively with the travel trade for 50 years. Karin Mori, Sales Director, North America, says it offers luxury travel, but that luxury is more than just a beautiful hotel. “Luxury is having the opportunity to immerse into our culture, to interact with these amazing people.”
Megadiversity of climate and topography means just about anything can be grown in Peru. That fact, combined with a wide range of ethnic and cultural groups, makes Peruvian cuisine something worth travelling for on its own. Gastronomy is red hot right now, with several restaurants in Peru named among the world’s top 50.
“Prepare to gain weight,” says Mori to prospective visitors.
