Copa Libertadores Final Delivers $75 Million Boost to Peruvian Economy
The highly anticipated Copa Libertadores final between Palmeiras and Flamengo in Lima, Peru, generated an estimated $75 million in economic activity, according to initial projections from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur). Preliminary data suggests the event drew over 60,000 international visitors, exceeding initial expectations of 50,000.
Brazilian ‘Fever’ Fuels Tourism Surge
The influx of fans, primarily from Brazil, provided a significant injection of capital into the Peruvian economy. The average tourist expenditure during the period reached approximately $1,000 per person, with many fans extending their stay beyond the match itself. “The majority stayed between two and three days, and between 10% and 15% extended their visit up to ten days, especially to short destinations such as Paracas, Arequipa and Chiclayo,” a tourism industry representative told El Comercio.
Air Travel Soars Beyond APEC Levels
The demand for travel to Lima surrounding the November 29, 2025, final was exceptional. Lima Airport Partners (LAP) reported a surge in both private and charter flights, surpassing even the levels seen during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2024. According to Juan José Salmón, CEO of LAP, the Jorge Chávez airport accommodated 97 private planes and 57 charter flights – a total of 154 additional flights – over a three-day period. “The number of private flights even exceeded what was received during APEC,” Salmón stated. The Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (Corpac) managed over 300 additional charter flights, ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.
Premium Travel Packages Drive Revenue
Many international fans opted for comprehensive travel packages, further boosting revenue. Absolut Sport, the official agency accredited by Conmebol and Flamengo, sold 2,900 packages to fans from 14 countries, primarily Brazil, averaging $3,095 per person. These packages included reservations for 3,000 hotel nights across Peru.
Lima Emerges as the Epicenter of Activity
Due to the relatively short duration of most visits, Lima was the primary destination for fans. Online search data indicated Lima was the most sought-after tourist destination from April leading up to the final, with nearly 4 billion searches. The Miraflores district experienced a particularly significant impact, with an estimated economic benefit of between S/65 million and S/80 million. Approximately S/20 million of this revenue was generated within the hotel sector, as one in three Brazilian fans chose to stay in four and five-star establishments in the area.
Retail and Hospitality Sectors Benefit
Beyond hotels, the broader hospitality sector thrived. Restaurants, minimarkets, craft vendors, and other tourist services all reported increased activity. The Ate district, home to the Monumental stadium, also saw a surge in business at shopping centers like Real Plaza Puruchuco, Qhatu Plaza, and Mall Plaza Santa Anita, with restaurants and entertainment venues experiencing high demand. Throughout Lima, Larcomar and Jockey Plaza malls also reported significant increases in foot traffic and sales. According to José Antonio Contreras, general manager of the Association of Shopping Centers and Entertainment of Peru (ACCEP), the city invoiced over $70 million and generated an estimated 10,000 jobs as a direct result of the Copa Libertadores final. “This is very good news not only for the retail sector, but for the country,” he highlighted.
Mincetur is currently compiling a comprehensive report to quantify the total economic impact of the event, but early indicators suggest the Brazilian ‘fever’ delivered a substantial boost to the Peruvian economy.
