Colca Valley, located in Arequipa region, has been granted hierarchy 4 status, the top distinction that a tourism resource —of great national and international significance— can receive in the country.
The recognition was given by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).
According to a classification designed by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in order to be granted hierarchy 4 status, tourism resources must possess particular features of a country and be capable of attracting a (actual or potential) number of visitors from domestic and international markets, both by itself and along with other adjacent attractions.
The announcement was made by Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Claudia Cornejo in a meeting held with regional tourism officials during her stay in Arequipa.
It is expected that the conferral of hierarchy 4 status to Colca Valley will be made official in a special ceremony in April.
For his part, Arequipa’s Foreign Trade and Tourism Manager Carlos Andrade highlighted the importance of this recognition occurring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Andrade, this distinction will help reactivate tourism in the region, mainly in Caylloma Province.
Likewise, he expects that, with this designation, Mincetur will define strategies and prioritize actions to develop the tourism potential of Colca Valley and its surroundings, in order to promote tourism in the area.