Peru's handicraft exports would reach over US$56 million this year on the back of increasing demand from Asia and Latin America, according to Juan Carlos Mathews, executive director of Peru's Tourism and Export Promotion Board (PromPeru). “Handicraft exports would grow by 7 percent to over US$ 56 million by the end of the year. Shipments to overseas markets are expected to grow at a rate not less than 10 percent,” he added.

Handicraft exports reached US$50 million in 2009, whereas in January-July 2010, exports amounted to US$27million.

According to Matthews, the largest importers of Peruvian handicrafts are the United States, New Zeeland, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia, among others.

The Peruvian Exporters' Association (Adex), Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), Promperu and Peru's Hotel Society (SHP) announced that the second edition of “Hecho a mano para hoteles” (Handmade for hotels) will be held on November 9-11.