Peru to Cash in on Americas Soccer Cup to Showcase Tourism Potentials

The 2004 Americas Soccer Cup, scheduled to take place in Peru from July 6 to 25, will give 200 million viewers from around the world a chance to see the different travel destinations the country has to offer, a report issued by the sport event´s organizers indicates.

Tens of thousands of people from 120 nations could feast their eyes on jaw-dropping Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Arequipa, Lima and other sightseeing spots.

For Peruvians, this will be a one-and-only opportunity not only to give tourism a big boost, but also to use the soccer competition as a way to portray a friendly, warm and welcoming country for outer visitors.

Nicolas Nadramia of Prom Peru, a tourism promotional group, explained that before the beginning of each of the 26 scheduled soccer games, Traffic Co. –the enterprise that bought all television rights for the broadcast of the Americas Cup- will air travel commercials about the country.

“That´ll give 200 million viewers from around the planet the chance to see the charms of this nation, its food, its traditions and its people,” Mr. Nadramia pointed out.

“This Americas Cup will be a great success for the image of the country,” he added. Authorities are expecting to welcome as many as 30,000 travelers and roughly 2,000 journalists from around the world.