The government of Peru has authorized the resumption of the train service to Machu Picchu, following a resolution to resolve the ongoing demonstrations that had disrupted entry to the renowned Incan destination and left visitors stranded.
According to a statement from PeruRail, a limited service resumed on Wednesday and a full service will resume on Thursday, running from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a town close to the archaeological site.
Last week, demonstrations started due to a new ticketing system, causing numerous tourists to be unable to access the ancient ruins in the Andes.
Demonstrators expressed concerns that the implementation of a new electronic ticket sales system would negatively impact small businesses, as control of ticket sales would be handed over to a single private company authorized by the ministry of culture.
The streets, hotels, and restaurants surrounding Peru’s top tourist spot were nearly empty due to the blockade.
According to Roger Monzón, a worker at the Inkas Land hotel in the Machu Picchu district, it appears to be the era of the Covid-19 pandemic as there are very few people around. The 18-room hotel is currently accommodating only two tourists from Portugal.
On Wednesday, the two parties entered into an agreement that includes a transition period to the new platform.
Peru’s Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, stated on a local radio station that it is necessary to make progress in order to stimulate our economy.
Organizations in charge of protecting the Unesco world heritage site have issued a cautionary statement regarding the issue of overcrowding and excessive ticket sales. As the travel industry starts to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic, authorities are searching for innovative methods to manage the influx of visitors.
Source: theguardian.com
