Lima to Host World's 50 Best Restaurants, Projecting $2M Economic Boost

Lima will host The World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony on November 4, marking the first time the global awards take place in Latin America. Around 1,200 chefs, journalists, and industry professionals are expected to attend the three-day event from November 2 to 4.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) and Promperú project an immediate economic impact of approximately $2 million. The breakdown includes $400,000 in hotel occupancy, $300,000 in food consumption, $300,000 in local production services, and over 700 international airline tickets purchased by attendees.

“We are encouraging people to move not only through Lima, but through different parts of Peru, referring to the Amazon and the Andes.”

Promperú Executive President Teresa Mera Gómez stated the event aims to showcase Peru's biodiversity and cultural heritage behind its gastronomy. Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia emphasized the opportunity to connect the local industry with international investors.

Chef Virgilio Martínez, whose restaurant Central topped the global ranking in 2023, said established venues will see little direct change. He argued the real benefit falls on "invisible agents" like local markets, producers, and regional eateries outside the fine-dining circuit.

Martínez added the goal is to encourage visitors to travel beyond Lima to the Andes and Amazon. Peru previously hosted the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants launch in 2013, strengthening ties with the organization.