Ayacucho eyes US$3 million in tourism revenues during Holy Week

Ayacucho, Mar. 26 (ANDINA).- Holy Week celebrations in the Andean city of Ayacucho could generate over US$ 3 million in tourism revenues this year because of increasing tourist arrivals, said Ayacucho governor Ernesto Molina.

"Holy Week generated more than US$ 1.5 million last year and in 2009 we expect there will be over US$ 3 million in revenues,” said Ernesto Molina, who detailed that this year's celebrations will be held from April 3 to 12.

During these days, local people and tourists will participate in religious ceremonies and processions, as well as cultural, artistic and commercial activities.

Molina pointed out that they have prepared a program of activities which include a series of measures to ensure the safety of tourists.

“Holy Week in Ayacucho is the world's second most important event of its kind, after Sevilla in Spain; this religious festival is becoming increasingly popular with thousands of tourists attending it every year,” he noted.

Molina explained that in the last years Ayacucho has usually received over 10,000 visitors, however this year and despite the international crisis, "we expect to attract more than 15,000 tourists".