The recent appointment of Rogers Martín Valencia Espinoza as Peru’s new Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism has been welcomed with optimism by various stakeholders in the national and international tourism sector, who recognise him as a professional with extensive experience in public administration, the private sector and organisations involved in tourism development.

A graduate in Tourism from the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco, Valencia has over three decades’ experience in promoting and consolidating Peru’s tourism industry. Throughout his career, he has held key positions, including Minister of Culture, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism, President of the Cusco Regional Chamber of Tourism (CARTUC) and consultant specialising in tourism development.

The new head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism is also noted for his active involvement in international organisations within the sector. He is currently a Director of Skål International Cusco, an institution that forms part of Skål International, a global network bringing together professionals and leaders from the tourism industry with the aim of promoting friendship, cooperation and the sustainable development of tourism.

His appointment represents an opportunity to strengthen coordination between the State, the private sector and professional organisations linked to tourism and foreign trade, at a time when Peru is seeking to consolidate its economic recovery and enhance its position as one of Latin America’s leading destinations.

Members of Skål International in Peru (Skål Lima, Cusco and Iquitos) have expressed their satisfaction with this appointment and have highlighted Rogers Valencia’s leadership skills, experience and commitment to the country’s tourism development.

The national tourism community is confident that his leadership will help drive new promotional strategies, strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and consolidate Peru’s position as an international benchmark in tourism and foreign trade.

By Jose Rivero Terry, Director of Public Relations, Skål International Lima