During my time in Qosqo, I have learned so much from locals about the negative and positive effects of tourism. Majority of the lifestyle here surrounds itself around tourism, since for locals, it has become one of the main incomes and almost the only income. The city has been accommodated to please tourist during their stay, that even the access to historical sites and cultural events are charged. For the Inti Raymi, a historical Sun Ceremony that happens every June 24th, each seat was charged up to 700 soles (186 dollars) which is inaccessible to locals. Yet, as I asked travel agencies about the price difference, I was told that before massive tourism the Inti Raymi use to be free for everyone, especially locals.
Additionally, the indifference doesn’t stop there. The governor of Qosqo, Werner Salcedo, has sold the national ticket access page of Machu Picchu to a company called Joinnus that capitalizes from Qosqo’s national treasure. Local governments no longer have access to all the natural beauties of Qosqo, yet the tourism, money, and lifestyle keeps increasing in the city. This makes me question, where is all this money going? Cause locals are not benefiting from it.
In contrast, being in Casa Mantay has also helped me see how the NGO benefits from tourism. Much of the economical help the home receives are from donations from tourist and non-local volunteers. In addition, Mantay also sells artisanal jewelry, bags, and pottery made by the mothers and workers in the home. While this helps the home sustain its seven mothers and their children, I can help to think how it limits the mother’s to think their only form of progression is accommodating tourist. It reminds me of the white savior complex we discussed in class and how it takes a toll in vulnerable communities—especially young, vulnerable mothers. Instead, why isn’t tourism used to fund education programs that incentivize doctors, engineers, teachers, business owners, and not just tourist guides? How can Qosqo break away from that chain of modern colonialism that sustains them from progression?
For this reason, I’d like to do my Capstone Project on the Gender violence and Tourism in Peru/Qosqo. I believe it’ll be an interesting topic to discuss, since often both topics aren’t aligned together.
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