Over the weekend, a meeting was held with key players in the tourism and services sector of the city of Encarnación and the department of Itapúa, in preparation for the first date of the World Rally Championship in Paraguay, which will run from 28th-31st August 2025.
A total of 98 people from both sectors participated, along with authorities from the Investment and Export Network (Rediex), the National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur) and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (Mitic).
The event is expected to receive more than 250,000 visitors in its first edition, positioning Paraguay on the global stage. However, with the confirmation that Paraguay will host a WRC date for three years, the projections are for reaching one million visitors.
Itapúa as a tourist destination
The Vice Minister of Rediex, Rodrigo Maluff, highlighted the importance of hosting the World Rally Championship In Paraguay as a driving force for tourism development in the region. “We want Itapúa to be a tourist destination 365 days a year, and the rally is a unique opportunity to achieve this. We aim to receive one million visitors, consolidating Itapúa as one of the most important destinations in South America, boosting the Paraguayan economy.”
For his part, Omar Avila, General Promoter of the WRC, highlighted the economic impact that the event will have on the entire region. “The rally will not only reach the host cities, but will also benefit neighbouring communities. International visitors will begin arriving in the country up to 10 days before the event, generating a sustained demand for tourism services.”
Avila cited the example of Kenya, where the WRC has boosted an exponential growth in tourism in just a few years. “Paraguay is generating great expectations around the world. We already have confirmed reservations from tourists from Europe, who are eager to experience this unique experience.”
Quality seal for service providers
To guarantee the quality of the services offered during the World Rally Championship In Paraguay, Senatur will award a distinctive seal to those establishments that meet the established standards, said Victor Chamorro, Director of Event Tourism at Senatur, at the meeting. In this way, tourists will be able to easily identify the recommended places to enjoy their stay in Itapúa. Likewise, tourist cabins in Paraguay will receive this seal to ensure that they are authorised.
