Paraguay’s tourism fails to take off despite slight upturn in arrivals

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Data from Paraguay’s Tourism Secretariat (SENATUR) show that 4,648 international visitors entered the country in July, only 2,000 more than in April. Impacted by its neighbors’ restrictions, arrivals increased in high percentages but in very low volumes, while connectivity has not yet recovered.

Through a press release, SENATUR celebrated that the country has registered its third consecutive month of international arrivals in July. And, in that respect, it states that this achievement is the result of the increase in vaccination rates and a relaxation of restrictions at a global level.

However, although this statement is true, the reality shows that volumes are still extremely low compared to the pre-pandemic scenario: only 4,648 non-resident travelers reached the country this July.

Vaccination increased significantly in the region, but most borders are still virtually closed due to restrictions, including in Paraguay, which in July established a mandatory 5-day quarantine for both nationals and foreigners.

Its neighbors in the region are no better at the moment: Argentina has no date for the reopening of its borders (only the gradual opening of cruises from October 20); Chile is still waiting for a speedy opening; and Uruguay announced a general opening on November 1.

Paraguay’s current foreign numbers are supported by Brazil, which in July accounted for 42.7% of arrivals, followed by Argentina with 16.4%. The third, fourth and fifth places are taken by Germany (8.8%), USA (7.2%) and Spain (7%). The top 10 is completed by Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.

When stating that the outlook is not promising, not only the epidemiological context should be taken into account, but also other market considerations that do not enable the country to improve its connectivity.

In this respect, HOSTELTUR reported this week that U.S. Eastern Airlines announced the suspension of flights between Asunción and Miami until the end of the year, arguing that it would use the aircraft to “evacuate Kabul,” after the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan.

The decision to impose a quarantine on international travelers has been strongly criticized by the Paraguayan Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism Companies (ASATUR), which alerted to the counterproductive effect it could have on the industry, severely impacted by the spread of the pandemic. Instead, it proposed to start accepting vaccination certificates.