Tourism Minister Jacinto Santa María met with the Governor of Itapúa, Francisco Javier Pereira, to advance a joint agenda aimed at strengthening the department's tourism development.
During the meeting, the head of the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) presented the institution's new Tourism Vision, a strategy that seeks to position Paraguay as a competitive destination with international projection.
In parallel, the Itapúa Tourist Guide was officially launched, with the goal of enriching the visitor experience during the WRC Ueno Rally del Paraguay 2026, which will take place between August 27 and 30.
Minister Santa María highlighted that the publication brings together information on the region's main natural, cultural, historical, and gastronomic attractions, including the Jesuit Missions, nature circuits, and religious routes.
The executive director of Rally del Paraguay, César Marsal, announced new features for this edition, such as a renewed symbolic start at the Encarnación Sambadrome, a night urban stage — the first in the event's history — and an awards ceremony held on the water, near the San José Mill and San José Beach.
The organizers project receiving about 400,000 visitors, nearly double the 210,000 registered in 2025, with expectations of a significant impact on tourism, commerce, and the regional economy.
A partnership with the National University of Itapúa (UNI) was also announced to measure indicators such as tourist spending, economic impact, and hotel occupancy during the event.
Students and language teachers from the Eurosur Higher Technical Institute will act as volunteers to support translation and guidance for international tourists.