World Travel Awards has confirmed it will head to Lima, Peru, for its first South America Gala Ceremony on July 20th.

Peru will become the first South American host of the event during its 20 year history.

The glittering red carpet event will take place at the site of the ancient Huaca Pucllana temple, located in the central Miraflores district, in the heart of the city.

World Travel Awards was launched in 1993 to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence in the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, it is regarded worldwide as the highest achievement a travel product or service could hope to receive and the Gala Awards ceremonies are seen as the premier networking events for global tourism and hospitality operators.

José Luis Silva Martinot, minister of foreign trade & tourism, Peru said: “We celebrate that an event of such importance as the first Latin American edition of World Travel Awards will be held in Lima, Peru.

“We trust this will create a new window for the world’s leaders in the tourism industry, and travellers as well, to see the diversity offered by our country and region.

“The chosen venue, the beautiful Huaca Pucllana, in the Miraflores neighbourhood will show the world how our past and present live together, and how tourism is becoming key for a brighter future for our country.”

WTA will showcase Lima as a combined tourist and business hub, witnessed by the links created between the past and the present day and at the most important temples in the city where young archaeologists continue to work on and integrate them into the community. 

The process of urbanisation, thanks to the joint efforts of archaeologists and residents, has seen dozens of ancient temples and archaeological sites left untouched and preserved, standing out against the bustling metropolis.

World Travel Awards vice president Chris Frost added: “The significance of holding the World Travel Awards here for the first time cannot be underestimated.

“Lima is the industrial and financial centre of Peru, and one of the most important financial nodes in Latin America.

“Today it is home to many national companies and accounts for more than two thirds of Peru’s industrial production.

“Bringing the region’s tourism influencers to Lima and highlighting globally just how much Peru has to offer the visitor, whether for business, for adventure, romance or a family holiday.

“We can showcase Peru for all it offers through our established and ever expanding World Travel Awards network.”