Paraguay Accelerates Tourism Reform as New Policies Target Investment, Easier Travel and Regional Growth

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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August 3, 2026 10:08 AM

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Paraguay is subtly changing its tourism landscape with a number of policy shifts that are intended to make the nation a better competitor in South America. In spite of being in the background of the bigger nations such as Brazil and Argentina, 2026 seems to have been a year of revival for Paraguay. From improving the borders to introducing innovative air policies and making some massive investments, the nation is trying to attract foreign tourists as well as developing tourism within the country. Paraguay no longer wants to focus on a single aspect, but on a combination of nature, culture, heritage, and entertainment in one destination.

A New Long-Term Vision for Tourism

Paraguay’s tourism strategy entered a new phase in 2026 following the appointment of a new leadership team at the National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR).

The government’s long-term vision aims to position Paraguay as a leading tourism destination in South America by attracting greater investment, expanding visitor experiences and increasing international arrivals over the coming decade. The strategy also seeks to strengthen existing tourism products while encouraging the development of new attractions and entertainment projects.

Border Entry Procedures Become More Efficient

One of the most practical changes for travellers is the closer coordination between SENATUR and Paraguay’s National Directorate of Migration.

Authorities are streamlining immigration procedures at key entry points, including Ciudad del Este, Encarnación and Puerto Falcón, where increasing tourist flows have created greater demand for faster and more efficient border processing.

The objective is to provide visitors with smoother entry while maintaining secure immigration controls, particularly for travellers arriving overland from neighbouring countries.

Aviation Policy Supports Tourism Growth

Paraguay has also introduced measures to strengthen air connectivity.

A recently approved reform removed a long-standing 6% charge on commercial airline tickets, reducing operational costs for airlines and creating more favourable conditions for new carriers to enter the Paraguayan market.

Officials expect the measure to improve competition, strengthen international connectivity and support tourism growth by encouraging additional routes into the country.

Investment Takes Centre Stage

Tourism authorities increasingly view private investment as essential for expanding the country’s visitor economy.

Government officials have outlined plans to encourage high-impact tourism developments, including entertainment complexes, eco-tourism projects and upgraded visitor infrastructure.

Rather than replacing Paraguay’s existing attractions, the focus is on enhancing the country’s tourism portfolio while creating experiences that encourage longer visitor stays and higher tourism spending.

Accessible Tourism Continues to Expand

Inclusive tourism has also become part of Paraguay’s broader visitor strategy.

Earlier this year, Asunción introduced the country’s first accessible tourism circuit, allowing more visitors to experience important heritage landmarks through improved accessibility measures.

The initiative reflects wider efforts to make tourism available to a broader range of domestic and international travellers while preserving cultural heritage.

Nature and Culture Remain Paraguay’s Biggest Strengths

While policy reforms continue, Paraguay’s tourism appeal still lies in its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore the historic centre of Asunción, the riverside atmosphere of Encarnación, the commercial energy of Ciudad del Este, or venture into the Gran Chaco for wildlife and eco-tourism experiences.

Protected natural reserves, Jesuit Missions recognised by UNESCO and growing rural tourism initiatives continue expanding the country’s visitor offering beyond traditional city tourism.

Tourism Strategy Looks Towards 2037

Paraguay’s latest reforms form part of a broader long-term vision extending beyond immediate visitor growth.

Authorities have outlined ambitions to significantly increase annual tourist arrivals over the coming years while positioning the country as a recognised tourism destination across South America.

Improved planning, stronger institutional coordination and investment-friendly policies are expected to play central roles in achieving those objectives.

Nearby Attractions to Visit

Asunción

• Palacio de los López
• Costanera de Asunción
• Panteón Nacional de los Héroes

Encarnación

• San José Beach
• Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
• Costanera de Encarnación

Ciudad del Este

• Itaipu Binacional Dam
• Monday Falls
• Shopping District

Gran Chaco

• Defensores del Chaco National Park
• Chaco wildlife reserves

Nearest Airports and Travel Distances

• Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU): Approximately 15 km from central Asunción.
• Guaraní International Airport (AGT): Approximately 25 km from Ciudad del Este.
• Teniente Amin Ayub González Airport (ENO): Approximately 12 km from Encarnación city centre.

These airports provide domestic and international connections, with overland border crossings remaining an important gateway for regional visitors.

Local Currency

The official currency of Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG).

Key Stats

• Tourism authority: National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR)
• Strategic vision: Position Paraguay among South America’s leading tourism destinations.
• Border improvements: Faster immigration processing at major entry points.
• Aviation reform: Removal of a 6% airline ticket charge.
• Focus areas:
  • Tourism investment
  • Aviation connectivity
  • Border efficiency
  • Sustainable and accessible tourism

Timeline and Events

• April 2026: New SENATUR leadership announces an expanded tourism vision.
• May 2026: Government begins integrating the new tourism strategy into the National Tourism Development Plan.
• May 2026: Border agencies coordinate measures to improve visitor entry procedures.
• May 2026: Paraguay removes the 6% airline ticket charge to encourage aviation growth.

FAQ

1. What are the main tourism changes in Paraguay during 2026?
The country has introduced aviation reforms, improved border procedures, expanded tourism investment plans and adopted a new long-term tourism strategy.

2. How are travellers expected to benefit?
Visitors can expect more efficient border crossings, stronger air connectivity and an expanding range of tourism experiences.

3. Which destinations should visitors consider?
Asunción, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, the Jesuit Missions and the Gran Chaco remain among Paraguay’s leading tourism destinations.

Dates

• April 2026
• May 2026
• 2037 (long-term tourism vision)

Conclusion

The tourism reforms that Paraguay has put in place are indicative of a nation that is not satisfied with just small steps but wants to have an increased role in the South American tourism scene. Through policy changes coupled with investment and reforms in aviation and border control, Paraguay is creating the framework for a more competitive and accessible tourism industry. Even though Paraguay is certainly one of the less well-known countries in South America from a tourism standpoint, there is a lot going on in terms of heritage and nature as well as a growing tourism sector.