World Bank Funds Peru Tourism Corridor Upgrade

The World Bank approved $77.2 million in financing to improve the Arequipa-Colca tourist corridor in Peru. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism is leading the initiative to establish the region as a hub for cultural, adventure, and nature tourism.

The program will execute 33 strategic projects across multiple sectors, including transport, sanitation, health, and culture, to improve basic infrastructure and visitor experience. The investment aims to benefit local artisans, farmers, guides, and entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on including women and young people in the tourism economy.

The funding is allocated across five areas: culture (10 projects), tourism (9 projects), transport (7 projects), sanitation (5 projects), and environment & health (2 projects). Peruvian officials hope this model will serve as a template for decentralized economic development throughout the country.