The 2025 World Rally Championship had a big positive impact on Itapúa’s hotel sector, according to Andy Sbardella, head of the Itapúa Hotel Association. The event led to a doubling of the hotel workforce and near-full occupancy rates.
Sbardella reported that hotels collaborated, sharing information on room availability to ensure efficient allocation. By the final days of the rally, hotels reported almost full occupancy. He stated that bookings were met in full, resulting in an occupancy rate of at least 95%, if not 100%.
Exceeding expectations
While the anticipated 250,000 attendees did not fully materialise, Sbardella confirmed a substantial influx of over 100,000 visitors. This distributed visitor numbers across the department, preventing any overwhelming strain on the hospitality sector, while still ensuring strong demand. The result was full, though not over-burdened, hotels and restaurants.
Investment and growth
The hotel sector saw a 10% to 15% increase in bed capacity, indicating significant investment, although the precise amount remains unconfirmed. New hotel infrastructure is also under development, preparing for the upcoming summer season. This further underlines the considerable economic investment in the region’s hospitality industry.
Feedback from rally attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise and satisfaction. This, Sbardella noted, reinforces their commitment to ongoing development within the tourism sector, a commitment that extends over a decade.
Future planning
Sbardella reported that occupancy reached nearly 100% across Itapúa during the rally, including areas beyond the main city. This experience, he said, provides valuable lessons in preparedness for future events. The hotel association will now convene to review the results and plan for future growth.
The success of the World Rally Championship – France’s Sébastien Ogier secured victory in the main category -, Sbardella concluded, demonstrates the benefits of collaborative effort and provides a strong foundation for future tourism development. The shared effort yielded positive results, and the sector looks forward to future opportunities.
Success follows great winter holiday season
The 2025 winter holiday season also brought positive results for Itapúa’s hotel sector. The Itapúa Hotel Association reported occupancy levels reaching 80%, peaking on weekends in destinations like Encarnación, Jesús, Trinidad, Bella Vista and San Cosme y Damián. Religious, cultural, rural, and gastronomic tourism offerings proved particularly attractive to families choosing domestic holidays. Ashoit highlighted the quality of service, and Itapúa’s growing appeal as a winter destination.
