The The Impact of Gastronomic Tourism on the Miraflores District in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Peru, located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in west-central South America, has diverse climates and cultures, which have allowed it to develop a varied and exquisite cuisine. The district of Miraflores, located in the city of Lima, is the country's main tourist destination and is facing increasing gastronomic demand, impacting the residents' lifestyles. This study used a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal, and correlational approach to examine the effects of gastronomic establishments in Miraflores. The methodology involved identifying the number and capacity of gastronomic establishments within the gastronomic corridors of Miraflores and correlating this data with the number of homes and the resident population. Data collection included using Google Maps and on-site verification, with historical comparisons made using Google Earth. Additionally, historical data from the population censuses of Peru were utilized for trend analysis. Results showed a significant increase in the number and capacity of gastronomic venues between 2007 and 2024, alongside rises in housing and population density. However, analysis revealed that in the main central area of the district, the correlation between gastronomic activity and population growth decreased despite the increase in establishments, seats, housing, and population. This suggests that the growth in gastronomic venues does not proportionately support population growth in this area. Conclusions indicate that while gastronomic growth boosts tourism, it requires balanced urban planning to ensure sustainable living conditions for residents. Without adequate urban planning, the growth in gastronomic tourism could lead to over-saturation, negatively impacting residents' quality of life and urban sustainability.