Assessing Tourism Assets and the Aspirations of Colca Valley Destinations
April 21, 2025
Tourism has the potential to support a sustainable development, but it can also bring innumerable challenges that can impact the long-term sustainability of developing regions. Sustainable tourism development is built on collaboration; and ensuring that a wide range of stakeholders' voices are heard and incorporated into tourism planning is critical. Members of the Nexus project ‘Sustainable Development through Regenerative Tourism: A Pilot Program on the Colca Valley High Route’ (in short ‘Regenerative Tourism’) conducted interviews and town hall meetings to understand the tourism-related matters of the Colca Valley.
Thus, in February and March 2025, the ‘Regenerative Tourism’ team met with over 45 tourism industry members to understand their perception about the benefits tourism would bring to the Colca communities. Tourism stakeholders in Madrigal, Sibayo, and Yanque shared their aspirations for tourism and their communities, and concerns they hold for tourism growth in the region.
Project members also learned about the destinations' key tourism assets — including the environment and heritage — that need to be protected and celebrated to ensure Colca retains its uniqueness. These insights will be incorporated into the project recommendations which will help to guide sustainable tourism development and contribute positively to the quality of life in these communities.
Contact Details
- Rosa Cossio
- rcossio@purdue.edu
- 765-494-0721
