Paraguay is the country with the highest tourism growth, as per the World Tourism Barometer of United Nations Tourism. In the first quarter of 2025, the nation recorded a remarkable 53% increase compared to the prior year. The top three countries in the tourism rankings are exclusively South American, with Brazil and Chile each achieving a notable 48% growth.
The World Tourism Barometer is a publication by UN Tourism, a specialised agency of the United Nations focused on promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
The Americas lagging behind Africa and Asia-Pacific
Whilst South America hosts the top three countries in tourism growth, the Americas as a whole saw a modest 2% increase in the tourism rankings, lagging behind Africa and Asia-Pacific. The reason is due to the fact that the Americas are considered as a single region, and not divided by continents. While countries like Ecuador and Mexico also attracted significant tourist numbers, growth decreased in other regions of the Americas, due to geopolitical tensions.
Overall, 300 million visitors travelled around the world in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 286 million in 2024. While January was great for travel, it slowed down in February and March. One of the reasons, apart from the weather, is the fact that this year Easter was in April. In 2024, global tourism nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals (99% of 2019 levels), a 11% increase over 2023.
Paraguay: A lot to offer
Paraguay has a lot to offer, and it is not just Asunción. There are many other areas of the country to visit.
While people mostly go to the city of Ciudad del Este for visiting water falls in Brazil and Argentina, there is more. Tourists can enjoy Paraguay’s own: Saltos Monday, located in Presidente Franco. People can also visit the Itaipu Dam in Hernandarias. And in the city of Encarnación, they can enjoy the beach, the Victory Museum, Plaza de Armas, and the Paseo de los Enamorados. Visitors can also go to Caacupé for religious purposes, such as participating in a pilgrimage or celebrating Easter.
Beyond urban centres, tourists can explore the historic Jesuit Ruins in Jesús de Tavarangüé. In the south, the picturesque Salto Cristal waterfalls in Isla Yvate offer a stunning backdrop, frequently featured in Instagram posts and stories. Visitors to Paraguay, or people from other regions of the country, can also visit the Chaco for its nature, and wildlife.
As for events, Los Angeles Azules and DUKI were present in Paraguay in the last couple of months. International artists as such definitely boost tourism rankings, as it brings people who would normally not visit the country. Palmear, previous important football games, and activities associated with Easter and Independence Day also boost tourism ranking, as people are converging to the capital to celebrate.
Many events coming to Paraguay
Multiple events are coming to Paraguay in the next couple of months, mostly in the music industry and sports sector. It will greatly dynamise the local economy, especially in the Asunción Metropolitan Area. Making the country a pole of attraction, it will boost upcoming tourism ranking.
In music, American punk rock band Green Day will perform in the country on September 15. The concert will be held at the Jockey Club in Asunción, that can host slightly over 10,000 people. Colombian singer Shakira is also coming to the capital. She will be performing on November 28 at the stadium of football club Cerro Porteño. The UENO La Nueva Olla has a capacity of 45,000 spectators.
In sports, Paraguay is hosting the ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games in August. This event, regrouping teams from all the Americas will be held in Asunción at multiple locations. Also in August, Encarnación is hosting the World Rally Championship.
The Albirroja, Paraguay’s national football team, is playing two games in September. They are playing first on September 9 against Ecuador in Asunción. Win or lost, it will bring a lot of money to the city, on and around that date. A lot of tourists will be in town to watch the game. On September 14, the team will play in Peru. The Albirroja has not yet secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but has a big chance to clinch a spot in one of the upcoming matches.
With these events in motion, Paraguay is well-positioned to sustain its status as one of the leading countries in tourism growth for 2025 and 2026. And shows the potential to retain its top spot in the global tourism rankings.
Read more: Over 1.5 Million Tourists Crave Paraguay’s Cultural And Natural Wonders.
