Dakar Rally To Boost Peruvian Economy By $770M, Expects 50,000 Foreign Tourists

Peruvian External Trade and Tourism Minister Jose Silva said that the '13 Dakar Rally will generate about $770M for Peru in int'l promotion and productive activities in the services sector, according to XINHUA. Silva said that the race "will invigorate the Peruvian economy and will increase the activity in the country's stores, restaurants and hotels of the regions where the rally will pass before arriving in Argentina and Chile." The minister reaffirmed his country "is satisfied for Peru being part of Rally Dakar for the second time, adding now the country shows a better logistic and attention capacity toward the tourists." Silva also said that Peru "expects about 50,000 foreign tourists, including 3,200 pilots, mechanics and assistants from 55 countries" (XINHUA, 1/5).