Lima - (AFP) - The tourism sector in Peru has lost $6.54 million per day in recent months due to the political crisis afflicting the country, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Commerce and Tourism.

Tourism Minister Luis Fernando Helguero said in a press statement that between June 2022 and the end of January, the losses amounted to "25 million Peruvian soles per day ($6.54 million) in the tourism sector alone."

Interim President Dina Pollarte has led Peru since Parliament impeached former elected President Pedro Castillo on December 7, sparking violent demonstrations that claimed at least 46 lives.

The protesters are calling for the departure of President Polwarti and bringing the elections closer. Polarti's term was originally scheduled to last until 2026.

Five airports in the south of the country were closed, including Cusco Airport, which provides access to the famous tourist site of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Most of the hotels and restaurants in Cusco have closed their doors, affected by the shortage of fuel and some foodstuffs caused by the blocking of roads across the country.

A large number of tourists were stuck for several days in the vicinity of Machu Picchu. The Minister of Tourism indicated that 85% of travel offers were cancelled.

Polwarti said, "Let the elections be brought closer" to get the country "out of the quagmire we are in," noting that her government supports the opposition's initiative to bring the presidential and legislative elections closer to December 2023.