Peru reveals new plans for Machu Picchu ticket sales process

News in Asia
Peru reveals new plans for Machu Picchu ticket sales process

The Peruvian government has reversed its decision to privatize ticket sales for Machu Picchu following protests that blocked access to the site. Minister of Culture Leslie Urteaga, after meeting with local officials, decided to abandon plans to outsource ticket sales to a private company. 

Concerns over irregularities and a reported loss of $1.8 million prompted this change. Instead, ticket sales will transition to an online platform managed by the national government, effectively canceling the agreement with Joinnus, a virtual ticket sales firm. 

The protests led to a near-desertion of the tourist attraction and the suspension of rail services, severely impacting local businesses. Though rail services resumed shortly after the government's decision reversal, tourism has slowly recovered. 

The disruptions prompted travel advisories from the United States, Germany, France, and Brazil, highlighting concerns over essential supplies due to transportation disruptions.

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