AGP Executive Report

Border Travel: Brazil is testing palm-vein scans for pedestrians at the Friendship Bridge, aiming to speed crossings and improve customs checks. Sports Tourism: Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 on Oct. 11, drawing international athletes as local triathlon clubs gain ground. Major Events: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship; organizers expect about 80 teams and more than 1,000 foreign visitors. Air Links: Delta and LATAM report joint-route capacity up 31% from 2023, with Paraguay among the South American markets served. Entry Rules: Paraguayan travelers with qualifying ePassports can enter Japan without a visa in advance. Road Access: Paraguay’s road network stretches beyond 78,000 km, but 84% is unpaved—a challenge for journeys beyond the main routes.

World Skate Games: A Kenyan skater missed the competition in Asunción after his route through Panama required a transit visa; the issue highlights the travel hurdles facing international participants. Border Travel: Brazil is testing palm-vein scans for pedestrians crossing the Friendship Bridge into Paraguay, aiming to ease movement and improve customs controls. Sports Tourism: Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 on Oct. 11, as participation in endurance sports grows across Paraguay. Road Access: The country’s 78,795-kilometre road network is 84% unpaved, a challenge for travel beyond major routes. Future Events: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, with about 80 teams and more than 1,000 foreign visitors expected.

Travel Access: Paraguayan citizens can enter Japan without a visa in advance if they hold an eligible ePassport, according to Japan’s published entry rules. Border Crossing: A palm-vein biometrics pilot is underway at the Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay, aiming to speed pedestrian crossings and improve customs controls. Sports Tourism: Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 Paraguay on October 11, drawing athletes from around the world and building the city’s profile as a triathlon destination. Future Events: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, with organisers expecting about 80 teams and more than 1,000 foreign visitors. Road Travel: Paraguay’s road network spans nearly 78,800 kilometres, but 84% remains unpaved, a major challenge for travel between communities. Nature: Ñacunday National Park in Alto Paraná offers a 40-metre waterfall and a protected fragment of Atlantic Forest.

Border Travel: A palm-biometrics pilot at Brazil’s Friendship Bridge crossing aims to speed pedestrian flows and strengthen customs checks; during testing, scans track repeat crossings without linking them to travelers’ identities. Sports Tourism: Encarnación hosts Ironman 70.3 Paraguay on October 11, with swimming at San José Beach, cycling on Route 1 and a finish along the waterfront. Major Events: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, its first time in Paraguay; organizers expect about 80 teams and more than 1,000 foreign visitors. Nature Travel: Ñacunday National Park’s 40-metre waterfall and Atlantic Forest make it a standout destination in Alto Paraná. Getting Around: Paraguay’s road network spans nearly 78,800 kilometres, but only about 16% is paved or improved—a key consideration for trips beyond major routes.

Events: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, its first time staging the event. Organisers expect about 80 teams and judges and more than 1,000 international visitors. Sports Tourism: Encarnación welcomes Ironman 70.3 athletes on 11 October, while the World Skate Games run in Asunción and nearby venues through 18 October, bringing more than 8,000 athletes from over 90 countries. Air Connections: Delta and LATAM say their joint network now includes 28 routes, including Paraguay, with combined capacity up 31% from 2023. Getting Around: Paraguay’s road network spans nearly 78,800 kilometres, but 84% is unpaved—a challenge for travel beyond main routes. Nature: Ñacunday National Park in Alto Paraná offers a 40-metre waterfall amid a protected Atlantic Forest landscape.

Air Travel & Tourism: Delta and LATAM say their North–South joint venture has carried 17.4 million passengers since launch, with 2026 capacity up about 31% vs 2023 and the network now covering 28 joint routes that include Paraguay. Roads & Access: Paraguay’s Road Day update shows the national network at 78,795 km, but only 16% is paved or improved; the rest is unpaved, underscoring how connectivity affects travel, school access, and emergency response. Nature & Adventure: Ñacunday National Park is spotlighted for its 40-metre Salto Ñacunday waterfall and Atlantic Forest fragments—an easy pitch for hikers and eco-travelers planning trips in Paraguay. Events in Paraguay: Encarnación will host Ironman 70.3 on 11 October 2026, using the Paraná River and the city’s waterfront for a full multisport showcase. Catholic Tourism: Saint Michael’s Sword will visit Paraguay for the first time, arriving 8 October and touring Asunción, Caacupé, Villarrica, and San Lorenzo before a final Mass on 18 October. Sports Travel: World Skate Games ASU26 runs 2–18 October across Asunción venues, bringing more than 8,000 athletes and a big spectator calendar. Visa-Friendly Travel: Japan’s ePassport list now includes Paraguay (from June 1, 2025), making planning easier for Paraguayans heading to Japan.

Road Travel & Infrastructure: Paraguay’s road network totals 78,795 km, but only about 16% is paved or improved (12,912 km). The rest—84% or 65,883 km—is unpaved, a major challenge for connectivity to schools, markets, and emergency services. Nature & Eco-Tourism: Ñacunday National Park in Alto Paraná is spotlighted for its Atlantic Forest fragment and the Salto Ñacunday waterfall, a 40-metre cascade fed by the Ñacunday River. Sports Tourism: Encarnación will host the Ironman 70.3 on 11 October 2026, with a course featuring the Paraná River swim, cycling along PY01, and a run on the Costanera waterfront. Religious & Cultural Travel: Saint Michael’s Sword will make its first-ever official visit to Paraguay in October 2026, arriving 8 October and featuring major events in Asunción, Caacupé, Villarrica, and San Lorenzo. Events in Asunción: World Skate Games ASU26 runs 2–18 October 2026 across Asunción and nearby venues, with an opening ceremony on 2 October at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. Local Planning: Paraguay’s municipal elections are set for Sunday, 4 October, with alcohol sales restrictions from 19:00 Saturday affecting bars and shops.

World Cup Travel Tips: If you’re planning ahead for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the big “no cable” takeaway is that FOX and Telemundo cover most matches over the air (with Tubi filling some gaps), so Paraguay-based fans can follow legal free options by checking local signal reach and network schedules. Paraguay Nature & Adventure: Ñacunday National Park is spotlighted for its 40-metre Salto Ñacunday waterfall and the Atlantic Forest fragment it protects—perfect for travelers chasing waterfalls and subtropical hikes. Major Sports Event in Paraguay: Encarnación will host the second Ironman 70.3 on 11 October 2026, with the swim in the Paraná River, cycling along PY01, and the run on the city waterfront. Faith Tourism: Saint Michael’s Sword arrives from Italy to Paraguay on 8 October, with the main Mass in Asunción on 9 October and stops including Caacupé, Villarrica, and San Lorenzo. Culture Calendar: Spain’s Embassy launches Aires de España (free events across October) with activities in Asunción and Itapúa, including a Joan Miró exhibition in Cambyretá. Tech & Research Spotlight: A Paraguayan-led AI team won a Best Paper Award in South Korea for work supporting DINAPI’s trademark classification platform.

Paraguay Travel & Nature: Into the Wild spotlights Ñacunday National Park in Alto Paraná, home to the 40-metre Salto Ñacunday waterfall and a surviving Atlantic Forest fragment that supports wildlife corridors. Sports Tourism: Encarnación will host the Ironman 70.3 on 11 October 2026, with a swim in the Paraná River, cycling along PY01, and a run on the Encarnación waterfront—bringing international athletes to Itapúa. Culture & City Breaks: The Embassy of Spain’s Aires de España returns for October 2026 with free cultural, gastronomic, sporting and cooperation events across Asunción and Itapúa. Getting There Easier: Japan now allows Paraguayan citizens to enter with an ePassport instead of a visa (from 1 June 2025), a boost for travel planning. Local Planning: Paraguay’s Municipal Elections are set for 4 October, with nationwide alcohol sales restrictions from 19:00 on Saturday affecting weekend plans for visitors and locals.

Triathlon Tourism Boost: Encarnación will host the second Ironman 70.3 on 11 October 2026, with a 113 km course featuring a swim off San José Beach, cycling along PY01, and a run on the Costanera waterfront—bringing international athletes and spectators to southern Paraguay. Catholic Heritage Travel: Saint Michael’s Sword is set to arrive from Italy for the first time, landing at Silvio Pettirossi on 8 October and leading to major celebrations in Asunción (9 Oct) plus stops in Caacupé, Villarrica, and San Lorenzo before a farewell Mass on 18 October. Sports Events in Asunción: The World Skate Games ASU26 run 2–18 October, with 8,000+ athletes across roller disciplines at venues around the capital, including the Olympic Committee and Costanera. Visitor-Friendly Entry Rules: Japan now allows Paraguayan passport holders to enter using an ePassport instead of a visa in advance (since 1 June 2025), easing travel planning for Paraguayans heading to Japan. Local Planning for Travelers: Paraguay’s municipal elections are on 4 October, with alcohol sales restricted nationwide from 19:00 on 3 October through election day.

Catholic Tourism in Asunción: Saint Michael’s Sword will travel from Italy to Paraguay for the first time, landing at Silvio Pettirossi Airport on 8 October and culminating in a 9 October Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, with stops in Caacupé, Villarrica, and San Lorenzo. Sports & Travel: Encarnación will host the second Ironman 70.3 on 11 October, with races across San José Beach, cycling along PY01, and a final run on the Encarnación waterfront—an international draw for endurance fans. Big International Event: World Skate Games ASU26 returns to Paraguay from 2–18 October, bringing 8,000+ athletes to Asunción and nearby venues, with an opening ceremony on 2 October at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. Visitor-Friendly Entry Rules: Japan’s official ePassport list now includes Paraguay (since 1 June 2025), making trips easier for eligible travelers. Local Planning for Visitors: Paraguay’s municipal elections are set for 4 October, with nationwide alcohol sales restrictions from 19:00 on Saturday affecting bars and restaurants. Weather Alert: Paraguay’s late-September heatwave shattered a 74-year temperature record in the Chaco, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C—useful context for trip planning.

Retirement & Mobility: Uruguay has jumped to the top of a new global retirement ranking, beating Portugal, with Europe still dominating the top ten—useful for travelers weighing long-stay options and citizenship pathways. Diplomacy & Travel Links: Trinidad and Tobago says it will open its first Middle East embassy in the UAE, signaling more Gulf travel and investment connections across the region. Paraguay Culture Calendar: Spain’s Embassy in Paraguay launched the 5th edition of Aires de España, running through October with free cultural, gastronomic and sporting events in Asunción and Itapúa (some need registration). Sports Tourism: World Skate Games ASU26 returns to Paraguay from 2–18 October, bringing 8,000+ athletes and competitions across Asunción venues. Local Planning: Paraguay’s 2026 municipal elections are Sunday, 4 October, with nationwide alcohol-sale restrictions from Saturday 19:00—important for visitors planning weekend outings. Weather Watch: Paraguay’s late-September heatwave broke 74-year temperature records in multiple locations, including 43.8°C in the Chaco. Visitor Entry Update: Japan’s official list now includes Paraguay for ePassport entry (no visa needed in advance).

Diplomatic Boost for Gulf Travel: Trinidad and Tobago approved its first Middle East embassy, choosing the UAE as the new diplomatic mission—an effort tied to investment, trade, and tourism links. Paraguay on the Pitch: Paraguay edged Colombia 1–0 in a friendly, with a decisive strike and questions raised about Colombia’s build-up—good news for fans tracking regional football momentum. Asunción Culture Calendar: Spain’s Embassy launched the free, October-long “Aires de España” program in Asunción and beyond (including Itapúa), mixing culture, gastronomy, sport, and development cooperation. World-Class Sports in Paraguay: World Skate Games ASU26 runs 2–18 October across Asunción venues, with an opening ceremony on 2 October and tickets via TUTI. Travel-Friendly Entry Rules: Japan published an official list of eight countries whose citizens can enter with an ePassport instead of a visa in advance—Paraguay is included (since June 1, 2025). Local Travel Planning Alert: Paraguay’s Municipal Elections are Sunday, 4 October, with alcohol sales restrictions starting Saturday at 19:00. Weather Watch: Paraguay recorded a historic 74-year temperature record during the late-September heatwave, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C—useful for itinerary planning.

Paraguay Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay votes Sunday, 4 October, with rules that can affect visitors—alcohol sales must stop nationwide from 19:00 Saturday, and the campaign period ends 23:59 Thursday, 1 October. World Skate Games ASU26: Asunción hosts the World Skate Games from 2–18 October, with events across the metro area and an opening ceremony on 2 October at 19:00 at the Comité Olímpico Paraguayo; tickets are via TUTI. Historic Heatwave: Paraguay shattered a 74-year temperature record over 26–27 September, with Mariscal Estigarribia hitting 43.8°C. Into the Wild (Caazapá National Park): A new travel series spotlights Caazapá National Park, home to Paraguay’s toucans and rich Atlantic Forest wildlife. Marca País in New York: “I Love Paraguay” in Queens received an official Country Brand licence, boosting Paraguayan gastronomy abroad. UNESCO Biosphere Update: Tost, Toson Bumba Mountain Nature Reserve earned UNESCO Biosphere status, with a workshop on sustainable tourism. Japan ePassport Access: Japan’s official list now includes Paraguay for ePassport entry instead of a visa (since June 1, 2025).

World Skate Games ASU26: Paraguay will host the World Skate Games from 2–18 October, bringing 8,000+ athletes from 90+ countries to venues across Asunción and the metro area, with the opening ceremony on 2 October at 19:00 at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee; tickets are available via TUTI. Municipal Elections 2026: Paraguay’s Municipal Elections are on Sunday, 4 October for 263 districts, and election weekend brings key rules for visitors—most notably alcohol sales stop at 19:00 on Saturday, 3 October nationwide. Heat & safety: A historic heatwave hit Paraguay over 26–27 September, with Mariscal Estigarribia reaching 43.8°C and multiple towns breaking 74-year temperature records. Culture & music: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly returns to Asunción for a free concert with OSCA on 1 October at 20:00 at the Teatro Municipal. Tourism & heritage: Paraguay’s restaurant I Love Paraguay in New York received an official Marca País license, boosting the country brand abroad.

Paraguay Municipal Elections: Paraguay heads to municipal elections on Sunday, 4 October, with more than five million voters choosing mayors and council members across 263 districts—plus strict election-weekend rules that can affect travel plans, including a nationwide alcohol sales ban from 19:00 on Saturday until voting ends. Heat & Weather: A late-September heatwave shattered a 74-year temperature record in over a dozen Paraguayan localities, with Mariscal Estigarribia in the Chaco hitting 43.8°C. Asunción Culture: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly returns for a free concert with the Asunción Symphony Orchestra on 1 October at Teatro Municipal, featuring Bruch and Saint-Saëns. Travel Retail & Tourism Trade: TFWA President Sarah Branquinho told Cannes delegates that travel retail growth isn’t automatic—highlighting the need to turn rising international travel into sustainable shopping value. Budget Airline Disruption: Paranair will suspend all flights from 30 Sept to 12 Oct for aircraft repairs, offering rebooking and refunds to affected passengers. Tourism Abroad (Regional): Brazil’s foreign arrivals stayed strong in 2026, with spending up faster than visitor numbers, while Aeromexico plans new Mexico City–Montego Bay nonstop service in March 2027.