AGP Executive Report

Papal Visit: Pope Leo plans to lead prayers publicly on Sunday as he recovers from lung cancer surgery. The Vatican says preparations for his Nov. 6–17 South America trip, including Peru, are continuing, though his recovery could still affect plans. Sustainable Tourism: Peru’s government says tourism should protect heritage, create jobs and involve local communities, highlighting its 2030 circular-economy roadmap. Machu Picchu: October offers milder weather and fewer visitors than peak season, but travelers should pack layers and rain gear as the rainy season approaches. Tourism Business: Australian travel adviser Jonathan Hickman won a Peru tour package in a campaign by Bunnik Tours, LATAM Airlines and Sydney Airport. Events & Safety: BTS’s Lima concerts drew more than 150,000 fans and were projected to generate significant tourism revenue. Meanwhile, wildfires in Cusco remain a concern for travelers.

Machu Picchu in October: Spring brings milder weather and fewer crowds than June to August, though afternoon showers are possible. Spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize before visiting high-altitude Cusco. Cusco Travel Watch: Wildfires are spreading across the region; check local conditions and guidance before heading to trails and attractions. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s November trip to Peru remains officially planned, but his recovery from lung cancer surgery could prompt changes. Peru’s government has forecast 3.1 million visitors for the visit. Big-Event Tourism: BTS’s three Lima concerts drew more than 150,000 fans, with tourism spending expected to benefit the city. Peru’s Profile: Peru was named South America’s leading destination at the World Travel Awards, while Machu Picchu again won the region’s top tourist attraction award. 2027 Trips: AmaWaterways is adding a Machu Picchu extension to its Colombia river cruises.

Lima Spotlight: BTS member Jungkook shared photos of Huaca Pucllana, putting the ancient site before his 26 million Instagram followers. The group’s Lima concerts drew about 150,000 fans and were forecast to boost tourism spending. Tourism Honors: Peru won six World Travel Awards, including South America’s Leading Destination; Machu Picchu was named the region’s Leading Tourist Attraction for the ninth time. Cusco Conditions: Wildfires are spreading across the region. Check local alerts and confirm access before setting out. 2027 Cruise Plans: AmaWaterways will add a Peru journey, including a Machu Picchu extension, to its Colombia river cruises.

Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV is recovering after lung cancer surgery, but his November South America tour remains uncertain. The Vatican says it is still planned; Peru’s president warned recovery could force changes. Chiclayo, where Leo served as bishop, is preparing for a visit expected to draw millions. Cruise News: AmaWaterways will add a Machu Picchu extension to its Colombia river cruises in 2027, linking the Amazon journey with Peru’s best-known landmark. Tourism Awards: Peru was named South America’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards, while Machu Picchu again won the region’s leading tourist attraction title. Concert Tourism: BTS’s Peru shows drew about 155,000 fans, with projected tourism spending of nearly US$19 million. Travel Safety: An Australian hiker who went missing on a solo trek in Peru’s remote Andes was found dead, a reminder to plan carefully and share itineraries before heading into isolated areas.

New Peru Journey: AmaWaterways will add a six-day Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu extension to select Colombia river cruises from 2027, with guided visits, upscale hotels and a choice of first-class rail journeys. Pope’s Visit in Doubt: Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis and surgery have raised uncertainty over his planned Nov. 6–17 trip to Peru. The visit was expected to draw millions and boost tourism. Visitor Safety: Police rescued a Ukrainian tourist stranded on Putucusi Mountain near Machu Picchu; separately, Australian hiker Jordan Yap was found dead after going missing on a solo trek in the Andes. Tourism Boost: Peru won six World Travel Awards, including South America’s leading destination, while Machu Picchu again took the region’s leading tourist attraction title. BTS’s first Peru concerts drew more than 150,000 fans, bringing a major wave of visitors to Lima.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s planned November 6–17 South America trip, including Peru, is uncertain after surgery confirmed lung cancer; his public events are canceled through October 20. Earlier reports said his visit could draw 3.1 million people to Peru. New Machu Picchu Package: AmaWaterways will add a six-day Peru extension to select Colombia river cruises from April 2027, linking Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley with a guided Machu Picchu visit; it plans to offer the package on every relevant sailing from 2028. Mountain Safety: Police rescued a Ukrainian tourist stranded on Putucusi near Machu Picchu. Separately, Australian hiker Jordan Yap was found dead after going missing on a solo trek in the remote Huayhuash range. Tourism Honors and Events: Peru was named South America’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards, winning six awards; Machu Picchu also retained its leading attraction title. BTS’s Lima concerts drew more than 150,000 fans, with tourism revenue estimated at about $19 million.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s lung surgery could affect his planned November 6–17 South American tour, including Peru. The Vatican expects about a week of recovery, but travel plans remain uncertain. Tourism Honors: Peru won six World Travel Awards, including South America’s Leading Destination, while Machu Picchu was named the region’s leading tourist attraction. Concert Tourism: BTS’s three sold-out Lima shows drew more than 150,000 fans and are projected to generate about $19 million in tourism revenue. Trekking Safety: An Australian hiker who went missing on a solo trek in Peru’s remote Andes has been found dead, underscoring the risks of hiking in isolated terrain.

Tourism Awards: Peru won six 2026 World Travel Awards, including South America’s Leading Destination for the fourth year running. It also earned its first regional nature-destination title, while Machu Picchu was named the continent’s leading tourist attraction for the ninth time. Big-Event Travel: BTS drew about 155,000 fans to three sold-out Lima concerts on its first Peru visit; the shows are projected to generate roughly US$18.7 million in tourism revenue. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV is due for lung surgery and about a week’s recovery, weeks before his planned Nov. 6–17 Latin American trip, which includes Peru. Trekking Safety: An Australian hiker missing after a solo trek in Peru’s remote Andes was found dead, underscoring the risks of remote routes.

Lima Airport: A second The Club lounge has opened at Jorge Chávez for international departures, with space for 374 guests and dining featuring Peruvian chef Ignacio Barrios’s signature dishes. Concert Tourism: BTS drew about 151,500 fans to three sold-out Lima shows, its first in Peru, bringing visitors from across the country and neighboring nations and boosting local business. Andean Trekking: The body of Australian hiker Jordan Yap, missing for weeks after a solo trek in Peru’s remote Andes, has been found. Inca Trail Planning: Permits for 2027 are expected to be released later this month; with daily access capped at 500, tour operators urge travelers to book early. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s recovery from lung surgery is expected to take about a week. His Nov. 6–17 South American trip, including Peru, remains scheduled, though his fitness to travel is not yet confirmed.

Concert Tourism: BTS’s first Peru shows drew about 151,500 fans to three sold-out Lima concerts, with Peru’s tourism ministry projecting roughly $19 million in tourism-related benefits. Andes Trekking: Australian hiker Jordan Yap was found dead near Mitucocha Lagoon after disappearing on a solo trek in the remote, high-altitude Huayhuash range. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s planned November trip to Peru remains on the schedule after he announced lung surgery and an expected week of recovery; the Vatican has not confirmed whether his itinerary will change. His visit is expected to draw more than 850,000 people and boost tourism.

Tourism Boost: BTS’s first Peru concerts drew about 151,500 fans to Lima across three shows, far exceeding the tourism ministry’s 50,000-visitor forecast. The ministry projects the performances will generate roughly US$19 million in tourism benefits. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV is due to undergo lung surgery and recover for about a week. The Vatican has not said whether the procedure will affect his planned November 6–17 trip to Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. Hiking Safety: Australian trekker Jordan Yap, 30, was found dead after going missing on a solo trek in the remote, high-altitude Huayhuash range. He had planned a 10-day hike and failed to check in. Road Safety: Five people died in a head-on crash on the Pan-American Highway South in Ica region. The collision involved an SUV and a station wagon.

Concert Tourism: BTS’s Lima shows were projected to bring US$18.7 million in tourism impact. The group’s arrival drew huge crowds, prompting leader RM to ask fans to respect hotel privacy. Road Safety: Five people died in a head-on crash on the Pan-American Highway South in Ica, a reminder for travelers to take care on Peru’s roads. Visitor Surge: Pope Leo XIV’s anticipated visit is expected to draw more than 850,000 visitors and boost tourism. Travel Access: Peru is seeking to improve air links and infrastructure and better connect tourist destinations. Amazon Adventures: A new account of cruising the Peruvian Amazon spotlights wildlife encounters, including pink river dolphins. Machu Picchu: Travelers are also being reminded to follow recommendations for a safe, enjoyable visit.

Lima’s BTS Tourism Surge: The group’s first Peru concerts are expected to generate US$18.7 million in tourism impact. City celebrations included a temporary “Avenida BTS,” but crowds around the group’s hotel prompted RM to ask fans to give members, staff and other guests space. Major Visitor Influx: Pope Leo XIV’s visit is expected to draw more than 850,000 visitors, bringing a significant tourism boost. Machu Picchu Access: A fire on the road to Machu Picchu killed one person; travelers should check local updates before heading to the site. Air Connectivity: Peru is seeking to strengthen flights and tourism infrastructure to improve access to destinations across the country.

BTS in Lima: RM asked fans to stop gathering outside the band’s hotel, saying the noise was disrupting sleep for members, staff and other guests. BTS’s Peru concerts are projected to generate US$18.7 million in tourism impact, with Lima embracing the group’s debut through a street renamed “Avenida BTS.” Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV’s expected visit could draw more than 850,000 people and give Peru’s tourism sector a major boost. Machu Picchu Safety: A fire on the road to the landmark killed one person; visitors are also being urged to follow local recommendations when planning their trip. Tourism Access: Peru is looking to strengthen air links and infrastructure to improve the competitiveness of its destinations.

BTS Brings Lima Into the Spotlight: The group’s first Peru concerts drew huge crowds, but fans camping outside its hotel disrupted sleep for performers, staff and fellow guests. RM urged fans to give the group privacy; the city also marked the visit by renaming a street Avenida BTS. Machu Picchu Access: A fire on the road to the popular site killed one person, renewing concerns about safety on a key visitor route. Tourism Push: Peru is seeking to strengthen air links, infrastructure and connections between destinations to improve its tourism competitiveness. Cultural Heritage: The country received 342 recovered artifacts from six countries, reinforcing efforts to protect the heritage that helps draw visitors.

Lima’s BTS Debut: RM asked fans to stop gathering outside the group’s hotel, saying the noise was disturbing other guests and preventing members and staff from resting ahead of the concerts. Heritage: Peru received 342 cultural artifacts recovered from six countries, in a boost to efforts to protect the country’s history and cultural legacy. Travel Access: Peru is looking to strengthen air links and infrastructure to improve tourism competitiveness and connect destinations. Visitor Safety: A fire on the road to Machu Picchu killed one person, underscoring the risks facing travelers on the route; officials have also issued recommendations for visitors to the site. Amazon Experiences: In Tambopata Reserve, visitors can take part in wildlife research, bringing conservation activities into the travel experience.