Luxurious Peru: Government pushes for high-end tourism (source:The Associated Press)
lWith four-digit inflation and violent Maoist guerrillas, Peru for many years was hardly the place for a seaweed wrap in a swank hotel.
But nowadays, relative peace and a booming economy draw boutique travellers to the Andean terrain and ancient ruins that were previously the domain of brave, budget-conscious backpackers.
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Yet as free-market President Alan Garcia speeds the development of Peru's high-end tourism sector, he is sparking a standoff with local residents who say they won't benefit from the boom. Earlier this year, protesters shut Cuzco's airport and blocked the only rail line to Machu Picchu to make their point.
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Strong economic growth is forecast to continue in Peru this year, and as many as 200,000 high-end tourists are expected, according to industry officials.
Starwood Hotels, which runs the Sheraton, Westin and other chains, plans three luxury hotels over the next three years, including a 192-room hotel in Cuzco. Hilton also has a plot there.