3. inTRODUCTION Machu Picchu is situated in Peru, South America with the Andes found on it’s Inca-trail. It was a site used by the Inca tribe which in the 1400’s conquered many parts of South America and through the siteruns the Inca trail, which many tourists travel on as a test of physical strength and endurance. It lies above the Urubamba Valley and through which flows the Urubamba river. It was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti over 500 years ago. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.
6. tourism Tourism affects all of the local people of MachuPicchu. Whether that be benefiting from extra facilities bought by tourism profits or from being caught in congestion on the road due to so many tourists travelling near where they live. I will now show a few advantages and disadvantages to the local people from having a strong tourist industry.
7. Advantages Brings in outside money to help build up local facilities and services that otherwise might not be developed. • Facilities and infrastructure supported by tourism (e.g. the railway) can also benefit residents. Tourist industry relies on the preservation of natural, cultural and historical resources. Creates local jobs and business opportunities. Provides cultural exchange between hosts and guests.
8. Disadvantages May attract visitors whose lifestyles and ideas conflict with the community's. Crowding and congestion on the roads, footpaths and in the narrow streets. Leads to an increase in crime in the area. The site is being slowly eroded by tourists' feet. Inflates property values and prices of goods and services. The jobs provided are usually poorly paid and seasonal.
9. Preserving the site ProgramaMachuPicchu, a conservation program funded through a debt-swap arrangement with the Finnish government, is being implemented to establish strategies for protecting the environment and site. Its accomplishments to date include the implementation of fire-prevention and waste-management plans. Here are a few examples of what is being done to manage the MachuPicchu and Inca trail.
10. Management of Machupicchu Admission increased from $10 to $20 The contract that the government had awarded to Peru Hotels SA to build the cable car concession has been suspended. The opposition by UNESCO was cited as one of the reasons for the suspension of the project Current facilities such as small hotels and car parks be reduced There is potential for MachuPicchu to be added to the endangered sites list which entitles it to special attention and international assistance
11. Management of the inca trail Entry fee will be raised from U.S. $17 to $50 for full trail. There will be a limit of 500 people per day allowed to begin the trek - about 200 tourists and 300 guides and porters. The trail will be closed one month each year for maintenance (January or February). All rubbish must be carried out of the Trail. Only certain types of fuel to be used.
