Paraguay has been distinguished with the prestigious “Revelation of the Region” award during the 2026 edition of FIEXPO Latin America. The event is recognised as one of the world’s most important trade fairs specialising in meetings and events tourism. This accolade highlights the country’s exemplary cooperation between its public and private sectors, a partnership that has achieved international-level results in attracting and organising major events.
The award serves as a powerful endorsement of Paraguay’s strategic efforts to develop its meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The distinction was formally accepted by the Minister of Tourism, Jacinto Santa María, who emphasised that the achievement was the culmination of collaborative work involving numerous key players within the industry.
A result of joint commitment
During the award ceremony, Santa María underscored the theme of unity, stating that the government and private sector presented a combined front at the event. He attributed the country’s recent successes directly to this synergistic relationship, which has proven effective in securing and managing large-scale international gatherings. This cooperative model is now being celebrated as a benchmark for regional development in the sector.
“We came to FIEXPO together, government and private sector, demonstrating that we do everything together, and that having reached the top ten of ICCA is the result of that joint work.”
Tribute to the industry’s architects
In his address, Santa María paid tribute to the pioneers and driving forces behind this success. He dedicated the award to the convention bureaus, event organisers, and various professional associations that have championed Paraguay as a premier destination. Their passion and hard work have been crucial in showcasing the country’s organisational capabilities to an international audience. Consequently, their efforts have built a strong foundation for future growth in the events industry.
“I receive this award on behalf of the true heroes and architects of this achievement: the Convention Bureaus, the event organisers, and the guild, business, and professional organisations that with effort and passion fought to bring the events of their respective sectors to Paraguay and demonstrate the organisational capacity of Paraguayans.”
This latest prize from FIEXPO Latin America complements another significant international milestone recently achieved by Paraguay. The nation has made a remarkable leap in the rankings of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which is considered one of the primary indicators of competitiveness in the global meetings tourism segment. This ascent further validates the country’s strategic direction and operational excellence.
Climbing the international rankings
Paraguay advanced from the 12th to the 6th position in Latin America and the Caribbean according to the latest ICCA rankings. This substantial climb reflects the country’s strengthened capacity to attract a wide range of international gatherings, including congresses, conventions, and corporate meetings. Moreover, the improved ranking sends a clear signal to the international community that Paraguay is a reliable and capable host for high-profile events.
The MICE sector is a vital economic driver, generating considerable impact across multiple industries. The influx of international delegates stimulates activity in the hotel, gastronomy, retail, and professional services sectors, creating jobs and boosting local economies. Therefore, success in this area has far-reaching benefits for the country’s overall economic development. The recognition from both FIEXPO and the ICCA is expected to attract further investment and opportunities.
Consolidating a competitive position
Ultimately, the award bestowed by FIEXPO Latin America reaffirms the strong position Paraguay has secured within the global meetings industry. This honour validates those efforts and provides momentum for even greater achievements in the future, solidifying Paraguay’s reputation as a rising star in Latin American tourism.
