The High Commission for the 2008 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum has announced that Lima and the port city of Callao will replace Cusco as the venue for the scheduled APEC tourism meetings. According to Agencia Andina, the decision was made because of the “logistic and administrative conditions” in Lima and Callao.
Callao’s mayor, Félix Moreno, reportedly said they are working on projects to improve the city’s image and security for the meetings. “We are working with the National Police and the Regional Government to improve public safety,” said Moreno. “During this date we want Callao to not only look completely clean but also safe.”
Peru’s Executive announced in late February that Cusco would not host meetings during this year’s APEC Forum after violent protests over a tourism development law shut the city down and left thousands of tourists stranded. Twelve APEC meetings were planned in Cusco, including the Tourism Ministerial Meeting from Apr. 9 – 11.
