- A new international airport is under construction at Chinchero, Peru, scheduled to open in late 2027, aiming to boost tourism to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
- The project, which has absorbed nearly £500 million of capital investment, is highly contentious due to concerns about its potential negative impact on local communities, infrastructure, and historic sites.
- Critics argue the airport will encourage 'bucket-list' tourism, strain resources like water and sewerage, and contradict the government's aim to diversify tourism away from popular sites.
- Supporters contend the airport is vital for economic recovery, citing current tourism levels still below pre-pandemic figures and the limitations of Cuzco's existing airport.
- Experts suggest that while stopping the airport is unlikely, its success hinges on integrating sustainable tourism with broader regional development to avoid simply shifting existing bottlenecks.
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