Paraguay has entered the Top 10 meeting tourism destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time, according to the ICCA 2025 Ranking compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association. The country placed sixth regionally, while Asunción reached eighth place among cities hosting the highest number of international events.
The announcement was made by the Minister of the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur), Jacinto Santa María, alongside the president of the Asunción Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fernando Macedo. Santa María emphasized that this recognition is the result of years of coordinated work between the public and private sectors, as well as the efforts of trade association leaders who represent Paraguay abroad to attract congresses and specialized meetings.
The country recorded 48 international association events that met ICCA criteria, generating an estimated economic impact of US$300 million. Fernando Macedo highlighted the significant post-pandemic recovery: "We went from organizing between 14 and 16 international events to reaching 48 today." The MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) drives hotels, gastronomy, transportation, commerce, and specialized services.
Beyond the capital, other Paraguayan cities have begun appearing in the ranking, such as Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, and Filadelfia, expanding the tourism and economic potential of the country's interior. Meeting tourism is considered one of the highest value-added segments, with attendees who typically spend more than traditional tourists and stay longer.