Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, located in the Cuzco region and chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, is going through an indefinite dry strike that began this Sunday, September 14, called by local communities. It paralyzed the activity along the railway route between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. And because of this fact, dozens of tourists were stranded at the Ollantaytambo train station without official information and waiting for answers from the rail service operator.
While some tourists and their guides, in order not to miss the opportunity of having moved there, chose to advance on foot along the route, not having regular transport. Added to this is the collapse of the tourist chain due to blockades and massive cancellations, and the fact that it is not the first time that this type of situation occurs in the place.
In this context, the New7Wonders Foundation, responsible for the title of New Wonder of the World awarded in 2007 to Machu Picchu, issued a statement, warning that the lack of integral, sustainable and coordinated management, as well as the tourist pressure without planning, the rise in prices, the complaints of irregularities in the sale of tickets, transport difficulties and repeated social conflicts, put the image of Peru at risk due to the bad experience of the visitors and, consequently, even compromise the credibility of Machu Picchu as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
It also urges key decision-makers at different levels to take urgent action in pursuit of a reliable and lasting solution for the destination. “In its capacity as an official authority, New7Wonders wishes to recall that the appointment implies a shared commitment to the conservation and responsible management of the site, as well as with the implementation of international preservation and management standards,” says the statement.
In addition, the New7Wonders Foundation reiterates the importance of continuing to work together, with the participation of all levels of government, local communities and the private sector, to guarantee the protection and proper management of Machu Picchu. It also highlights the relevance of the so-called “wonder effect”, which generates a positive impact on the socio-economy, culture and positioning of Peru in the world, as long as it is accompanied by intelligent development policies.