The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced on March 31 the launch of the public contest for the “Somos Artesanía” strategy, which will provide S/5,700,500 in non-reimbursable economic grants to artisans across the country this year.
The initiative aims to strengthen artisan activity and create more opportunities for growth. The ceremony took place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Arequipa and was led by Aracelly Laca, Vice Minister of Tourism. Laca said that these resources will benefit a total of 1,035 projects from companies, associations, cooperatives, and individuals involved in artisan work.
Laca also highlighted that so far S/29.3 million have been granted through “Somos Artesanía,” with S/2.5 million allocated specifically to artisans in Arequipa. She said Mincetur will continue promoting registration in the National Registry of Artisans (RNA) to facilitate access to free state services designed to boost competitiveness within the sector and support regional economies.
During her visit to Arequipa, Laca officially presented private CITE status to Le Qara’s Center for Technological Innovation (CITE) for Crafts and Tourism—the first such space implementing a roadmap toward a circular economy in tourism by 2030. “Le Qara constitutes a strategic intervention that aligns with what we want as sustainable tourism: closing gaps in access to innovation, technology transfer, and markets for our artisans in a priority region like Arequipa,” Laca said.
This year’s contest features two participation categories: “Fortalece tu taller de artesanía,” focused on improving productive capacity and modernizing workshops; and “Gestiona tu estrategia comercial,” aimed at increasing market presence nationally and internationally while strengthening tourist experiences at artisan workshops.
In addition to launching these programs, Mincetur officials coordinated efforts with local authorities regarding funding needs for investment programs related to destinations such as Arequipa-Colca. The vice minister also visited local exporting companies Capricce—specializing in alpaca fiber garments—and CERTUS S.A.C., which develops digital solutions for international clients.
