Peru adventures entice shoppers at the Mall at University Town Center
UNIVERSITY PARK -- Shoppers at the Mall at University Town Center can easily turn their shopping excursions -- and drinking and dining experiences -- into Amazonian adventures.
The mall set up a 3-D, Machu Picchu-themed exhibit and kicked off its month-long Peruvian promotion with a private party last week. Until Oct. 18, shoppers can talk to "brand ambassadors" well-versed in Peruvian culture and history.
Taubman Centers, the Mall at University Town Center's operating company, has worked with the Commercial Offices of the Embassy of Peru for about three years to promote travel to Peru. The embassy pays a fee to house the exhibit in Taubman's malls, though Taubman's director of partnership marketing Lisa Herzlich wouldn't disclose how much.
The Mall at University Town Center was an appropriate target for the embassy because "our sophisticated clientele enjoys travel," Octavio Ortiz, general manager at the Mall at UTC said at the private party on Sept. 9. While Ortiz sipped on water, other guests enjoyed cocktails inspired by Peru.
BRIO Tuscan Grille, The Capital Grille and Seasons 52 each offer their own version of the Pisco Sour. Pisco is a white brandy made in Peru from Muscat grapes. BRIO also offers seafood entrees on evenings and weekends inspired by Peruvian flavors.
Some of the mall's merchants, such as Tommy Bahama, Banana Republic, Lily Pulitzer, Macy's, Dillard's and Saks Fifth Avenue are carrying Peruvian-themed merchandise.
The exhibit is meant to give shoppers a taste of Peru and entice them to visit the country.
There's more to Peru than just Machu Picchu, the famed Inca city between the Amazon Basin and Peruvian Andes known for its towering stone walls. To this day, archeologists and historians are still uncertain how the Incas moved the stone into the positions they occupy today.
"I would definitely want to go see the ruins," said Helen Killius, a shopper who stopped at the exhibit and has previously thought about traveling to Peru. "And as long as you're going that far, a trip down the Amazon would be nice."
Peruvian goods
A growing textile industry, handcrafted jewelry and plenty of fodder for "foodies" offer choices aplenty for those interested in taking a trip to Peru.
"Many people often describe the three regions of Peru as three different countries," Erick Aponte, trade commissioner at the Miami Commercial Office of the Embassy of Peru, said during his speech at the private party. Jewelry, astronomy and adventure activities like surfing and kayaking are all growing sectors of Peruvian tourism, Aponte said.
The jewelry industry especially has taken off in Peru because people want to make sure they aren't wearing what's commonly known as "blood diamonds," or conflict jewelry.
"They can tell you when the gold and silver were taken from the mine to the refinery to the manufacturer to the designer to the wholesaler or retailer," Aponte said. "They can tell you everyone whose hands have touched that jewelry."
The South American country is the No. 1 exporter to the U.S. for asparagus, organic coffee, fish oil and organic bananas, Aponte said. Peru also largely contributes to the U.S. supply of grapes, mangos and organic avocados.
Joe Murphy, a Manatee County real estate agent who dropped by the exhibit, is drawn to Peru's history.
"I'd want to see Machu Picchu and also we've never been to South America," Murphy said. He's thinking about taking the trip for his wife's birthday.
"We're history buffs, and to see the architecture and South American stuff is on my bucket list," Murphy said.
Between 2010 and 2014, tourism to Peru increased by 40 percent, and 25 percent of the country's visitors come from the U.S.
This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Peru adventures entice shoppers at the Mall at University Town Center ."