The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced on April 20 the launch of the 2026 public contest for its “Turismo Emprende” program, which will provide up to S/120,000 in non-reimbursable funding to community-based organizations across Peru. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza in Chachapoyas, led by Vice Minister of Tourism Aracelly Laca.
This initiative aims to support sustainable tourism and social inclusion by empowering local communities as key players in regional development. The ministry contributes to cultural and social progress by fostering sustainable tourism and inclusion, according to the official website.
Vice Minister Laca said, “This initiative responds to a clear vision: promoting tourism with identity, capable of generating opportunities in territories and positioning communities as protagonists of development. We promote innovative proposals that integrate environmental sustainability, social inclusion and the appreciation of our cultural diversity.”
The call is open to Community-Based Organizations (OBC) and Productive Units (UP), which can apply for grants up to S/120,000 and S/60,000 respectively. The application process is online from April 20 until May 15 for registration and until May 18 for final proposal submission. Details are available at www.turismoemprende.pe or through Mincetur’s official contact channels.
During her visit to Amazonas region, Laca also visited previous winners of Turismo Emprende such as Angela Portocarrero Torres who operates a locally inclusive restaurant; Egner Yalta Velaizosa who offers lodging services linked with panela production near Gocta waterfall; and Ellen Santillán Choca who leads an eco-friendly gastronomic space using local ingredients.
Since its creation in 2017, Turismo Emprende has financed more than 8,500 ventures nationwide with investments exceeding S/150 million. This consolidates it as a key tool for promoting sustainable tourism and creating opportunities within communities.
The Ministry belongs to the Executive Branch with sector-specific autonomy according to the official website. It advances national strategies for foreign trade and tourism by promoting Peruvian business expansion alongside sustainable development according to the official website. Oversight is provided by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism according to the official website.
Mincetur serves communities throughout Peru focusing on trade facilitation and improving tourism connectivity according to the official website, collaborating with entities like PromPerú as well as other public-private organizations according to the official website. Established in 2002, it directs policies that foster export growth while enhancing community well-being through partnerships and programs according to the official website.
