Peru’s Inbound Tourism Sees 5.16% Growth in This Year, What’s Holding It Back from Pre-Pandemic Levels? – Travel And Tour World

Peru, a country famous for its rich cultural heritage, ancient ruins, and natural wonders, continues to experience gradual growth in its inbound tourism sector. However, the full recovery of the industry to pre-pandemic levels remains elusive, with a mix of factors contributing to the challenges faced by the tourism sector. As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, Peru is adapting and striving to enhance its position as a leading destination for international travelers.

Inbound Tourism Growth in 2025

From January to May 2025, Peru welcomed 1,362,135 international visitors, marking a 5.16% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This increase, while positive, still falls 5% short of the numbers recorded during the same months in 2019, when the country attracted 1,823,536 tourists. This figure highlights that although the sector is on the mend, it has not yet reached the heights achieved before the pandemic, indicating that full recovery is still a work in progress.

The 2025 increase in tourism, although modest, signals a resurgence in global interest in visiting Peru, particularly in its vibrant cities and world-renowned archaeological sites. The country’s iconic landmarks, such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Nazca Lines, continue to draw visitors from around the world. Peru’s reputation as a must-see destination in South America, rich with history, culture, and natural beauty, remains strong, although the country still faces obstacles in regaining pre-pandemic numbers.

Tourism from Key Source Markets

Despite the challenges, the growth of inbound tourism in 2025 highlights the importance of key source markets. Peru’s primary visitors continue to come from countries in the Latin American region, with Chile, the United States, and Ecuador leading the way. These markets have historically provided a large volume of tourists to Peru, and the country has seen a steady recovery in these regions.

In addition to the more traditional source markets, the data from 2025 reveals a significant increase in arrivals from countries such as El Salvador, China, and Guatemala. The number of tourists arriving from El Salvador has increased by an impressive 100%, while visitors from China and Guatemala grew by 30% and 31.3%, respectively. These increases can be attributed to several factors, including the strengthening of trade agreements between Peru and these countries, as well as a growing awareness of Peru’s tourism offerings in these regions.

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León, commented on these positive developments, acknowledging that “these results coincide with the entry into force or negotiation of trade agreements with these countries”. These agreements have helped improve travel access and foster closer cultural and economic ties, making it easier for citizens of these nations to visit Peru. However, while the results are encouraging, the tourism sector still faces hurdles in attracting a wider range of international visitors.

Sectoral Challenges in Achieving Full Recovery

While inbound tourism numbers in 2025 are showing a positive upward trend, they still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. The reasons behind this underperformance are multifaceted, with several critical challenges hindering the sector’s ability to reach its full potential.

One of the primary factors affecting Peru’s tourism recovery is the lack of air connectivity. International travel is still recovering from the pandemic’s disruptions, and many airlines have not yet reinstated routes or increased capacity to pre-pandemic levels. This is particularly evident for flights from key international markets such as Europe and Asia, where air connectivity remains limited. Without the ability to reach Peru easily and efficiently, travelers may look to other destinations with better access and more direct flight options.

Another significant challenge is the perceived insecurity within the country. In recent years, Peru has faced political instability and protests, which have at times affected the overall security situation in certain areas. While tourism in major tourist destinations like Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa remains strong, the perception of insecurity in other regions has made some potential visitors hesitant to travel. The government and tourism bodies are working to address these concerns by promoting the safety of tourist destinations and providing clearer communication on the security measures in place for visitors.

Lastly, the internal instability in the country has also impacted the tourism sector. Peru has been dealing with domestic political unrest, which has resulted in occasional disruptions to everyday life. This has made it difficult for businesses to fully operate as usual and has created an environment of uncertainty for foreign visitors. International travelers may be wary of visiting a country where political turmoil could potentially impact their travel plans. To overcome this, Peru’s government needs to reassure potential tourists that the country is safe, stable, and welcoming.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening the Tourism Sector

While the current tourism data indicates challenges, there are several opportunities for growth and recovery. Minister Desilú León has emphasized that despite the lag in reaching pre-pandemic tourism levels, “inbound tourism is growing compared to the previous year”. The government’s efforts to strengthen trade agreements, increase marketing campaigns, and promote air connectivity will be crucial in accelerating the sector’s recovery.

Additionally, Peru’s diverse natural and cultural offerings remain a significant draw for international tourists. The country’s rich cultural heritage, including Indigenous traditions, colonial history, and breathtaking landscapes, provides a compelling reason for travelers to visit. Peru has the potential to expand its appeal not just as a destination for adventure tourism, but also as a hub for cultural, culinary, and eco-tourism.

The government is already addressing some of the barriers by working on increasing air connectivity, improving safety measures, and creating marketing campaigns that highlight the country’s attractions while addressing any concerns related to political instability.

The Future of Inbound Tourism in Peru

As 2025 progresses, there is optimism that Peru’s inbound tourism will continue to recover, albeit slowly. The positive year-over-year growth is a strong indicator that the country is on the right path to recovery, even if full pre-pandemic levels are still out of reach for now. By leveraging its natural beauty, cultural wealth, and growing trade agreements with key countries, Peru has the potential to continue strengthening its tourism sector.

However, overcoming the challenges of air connectivity, insecurity, and internal instability will be key to accelerating this growth. With concerted efforts from both the government and the private sector, Peru can position itself as a top destination for international travelers, offering unique and unforgettable experiences for years to come.

Conclusion: A Gradual but Promising Recovery

Peru’s inbound tourism sector is undoubtedly on the path to recovery, but the journey is still ongoing. While the 5.16% growth in 2025 is promising, the country’s tourism industry has yet to fully regain the momentum seen before the pandemic. Addressing the challenges of air connectivity, security concerns, and political instability will be crucial in ensuring the sector’s long-term growth. Nevertheless, with its rich cultural offerings, stunning landscapes, and growing international partnerships, Peru remains a top destination for travelers, and its tourism sector will likely continue to recover and thrive in the years ahead.

(Sources: CEIC Data, Riotimes Online, GoWithGuide, Domiruth Peru Travel, Peru Explorer, UNWTO, Wikipedia)