Responsible Travel has started a petition to try to persuade Peru to ditch plans to build an international airport close to one of the world’s most iconic attractions, Machu Picchu.
The petition on Change.org has already attracted more than 320 signatures.
Responsible Travel CEO Justin Francis claims that the airport, which would bring passengers from the US and other countries in South America directly to the Inca ruins, would destroy Peru’s single most important tourism destination.
On Change.org he wrote: "A new international airport for Machu Picchu would destroy this sacred place
"It has a finite capacity for tourists and already receives double the number of visitors that UNESCO’s World heritage Committee believe is sustainable.
"We are gravely concerned about plans to further exploit this site, through building an international airport with direct flights from the US and Latin America. Archaeologists believe it will lead to the destruction of Machu Picchu. As tourists, and people working in the tourism industry, we urge the Peruvian Government to reconsider this disastrous decision."
In 2017, Machu Picchu attracted 1.5 million visitors, double the limit recommended by UNESCO.
At the moment, most visitors come via Cusco airport, whose single runway can only handle small aircraft, most of which come from Peru’s capital Lima or from nearby La Paz in Bolivia.
The new airport planned for Chinchero will be able to take larger aircraft from the US and elsewhere in Latin America.
An argument in its favour is that it will relieve pressure on Cusco, which is feeling the strain of so many tourists. However, critics say that planes flying low over the archaeological park could cause damage to the ruins.
"Although there may be other wider benefits to Cusco, the main driver for the airport is driving tourist numbers, at any cost," said Francis. "Not all tourism is equal in terms of local economic benefit.
Higher value tourists staying longer and visiting other sites will increase the amount and proportion of money reaching the local economy.
"The risk is that the airport drives a massive increase in day trips, or very short breaks. It’s vital that parts of the industry that respect and value Machu Picchu, and the local communities, send the message that the airport is of grave concern and may result in them reducing or stopping visits."
He said Responsible Travel has been working with other specialist operators that plan its trips to Machu Picchu and others to see what else can be done to stop the airport being built.
