Paraguay promotes attractions in WTM Latin America

Paraguay is participating in WTM Latin America promoting its attractions, there we had the opportunity to talk with Javier Ramírez, Director of Tourism Services of the National Secretariat of Tourism of Paraguay.

What are Paraguay’s expectations with its participation in WTM?

-We are very happy together with the tourism operators and hotels in Asunción and the interior of the country and we have great expectations. There is a very interesting appointment schedule and we are present with the consulate for the promotion of the Paraguayan destination, which increasingly consolidates the offer at a regional level as a block, such as the Jesuit Way, which we sell with Argentina and Brazil, and Destino Naturaleza, which characterizes Paraguay, and above all the services as an event destination in Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Encarnación.

How do you see the receptive market at this international fair?

- We are very dependent on the regional market, on the one hand Brazil and Argentina are the main markets we receive, and then other long-distance destinations such as Spain and Germany. So the fair itself is very important, not only because of the international market it attracts, but also because of the Brazilian market, since we know that Brazilians go to Paraguay not only to shop or attend important events, but also because of the nature and fishing tourism. That is why there are specialized packages for that market.

How do you prepare for spring break?

-We have already been carrying out previous actions in the Argentine market, such as commercial missions in Buenos Aires and on the coast, since services to Asunción sell very well on the Argentine coast. In Paraguay, Holy Week is characterized by popular and religious events that attract the attention of the entire region, and for us it is a key date, in fact in Paraguay it is already a holiday since Holy Wednesday. So the tourist activity is very invented in various parts of the country and as soon as Easter ends we will also focus on winter holidays. 

What is the connectivity status of Paraguay?

-After the pandemic, connectivity at the international level has been greatly strengthened. This week, Air Europa announced the direct connection Asunción - Madrid, with daily flights. And in fact, with Copa Airlines we already have daily flights and more than seven a week, since there are several flights on the same day. At the regional level with Buenos Aires and the main capitals we also have a very good connection. Yes, we continue to fight other markets that we came to have and we have lost like the United States with a direct connection, but with Copa Airlines we know that we have a good connection with the Caribbean and North America.

In addition, by land, access to Paraguay has been greatly improved in terms of infrastructure, especially for Argentines and Brazilians, and today entry with private vehicles is much easier.