Hosting the AUS2025 Junior Pan American Games resulted in a significant economic boost for Paraguay. According to data compiled by the consulting firm MF Economía, and based on figures from the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and the Central Bank of Paraguay, ‘ASU2025’ generated a return of US$431 million against an investment of US$85 million. This represents a 2.75-fold return on investment, highlighting the event’s substantial economic impact.
Significant economic impact
According to the data, the direct impact of the Games on the Paraguayan economy reached US$156.6 million. This figure encompasses infrastructure investment, organisational expenses, visitor spending, and athlete preparation costs.
Further analysis reveals an indirect economic impact of US$274.8 million. Combining the direct and indirect impacts, the total economic return from ASU2025 is calculated at US$431.3 million. This represents 0.9% of Paraguay’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Increased tourism
The Games also led to a notable increase in tourism. Between 7 and 27 August 2025, approximately 208,583 people entered the country – an 86% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This influx of visitors contributed significantly to the overall economic benefits.
Analysis of visitor spending shows that tourists allocated their funds as follows: 15% on transportation, 27% on food, 38% on accommodation, and 20% on miscellaneous expenses. These spending patterns demonstrate the diverse economic ripple effects of the event.
After ‘ASU2025’ generated US$431 million, another major sporting event, 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.
Conclusion
The success of the ASU2025 Games in generating a substantial economic return for Paraguay underscores the potential for major sporting events to stimulate economic growth. The significant multiplier effect of the investment, coupled with the substantial increase in tourism, paints a positive picture of the event’s overall contribution to the nation’s economy.
