AGP Executive Report

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.

Municipal Elections Guide: Paraguay’s 2026 Municipal Elections are Sunday, 4 October, with nationwide rules that can affect visitors—campaigning ends 23:59 on 1 October, and alcohol sales must stop at 19:00 on Saturday 3 October until voting ends. Historic Heat Alert: Paraguay shattered a 74-year temperature record over 26–27 September, with the Chaco’s Mariscal Estigarribia hitting 43.8°C. Culture & Tourism: Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly returns to Asunción for a free concert on 1 October at Teatro Municipal, featuring Bruch and Saint-Saëns. Travel Planning for Families: Senatur’s “Guardians of Heritage” Minecraft competition runs until 6 November, training students to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre. Route News: Paranair will pause all flights from 30 Sept to 12 Oct for aircraft repairs, with rebooking/refunds offered. Travel Safety: Costa Rica requires yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers to several destinations at risk starting 1 October, including Paraguay. World Cup Build-Up: Morocco unveiled its 2030 World Cup vision, with commemorative matches planned in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Paraguay Tourism & Culture: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” launches a Minecraft Education contest for students (7–18) to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre, with training and guided tours running until 6 Nov. Asunción Events: Palma Joven 2026 filled Calle Palma with an estimated 70,000 attendees for a youth-focused spring celebration, music and performances. Nature & Conservation: San Rafael in southern Paraguay is highlighted as a key Atlantic Forest refuge—home to hundreds of bird species and vital water and carbon storage—while enforcement and funding remain major challenges. Travel & Visas: A guide explains who can travel to Paraguay visa-free in 2026, aimed at international visitors planning trips. Business & Hospitality: Paraguay’s first overseas “Marca País” licence is awarded to New York’s I Love Paraguay restaurant. Air Travel: Budget carrier Paranair pauses all flights for two weeks (Sept 30–Oct 12) for repairs, offering rebooking and refunds. Safety & Travel Risk: Authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking route using Paraguay as a transit point, with raids in Asunción and nearby cities.

Paraguay Tourism & Culture: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back, inviting kids and teens (7–18) to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre in Minecraft Education, with training and guided tours running now through 6 Nov. Travel Retail & Aviation: Paranair, Paraguay’s budget carrier, will pause all flights from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12 for aircraft repairs, with rebooking/refunds for ticket holders. Local Events in Asunción: Palma Joven 2026 brought an estimated 70,000 people to Calle Palma on Sept. 26, with free, all-day youth activities and major local music acts. Nature & Conservation: Caazapá National Park gets a spotlight in a new “Into the Wild” series, highlighting Atlantic Forest wildlife and toucans. International Mobility: A guide outlines which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with stay rules varying by passport and purpose. Health & Travel Docs: Costa Rica requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to several destinations at risk starting Oct. 1, including Paraguay. Business & Branding: Paraguay’s “I Love Paraguay” restaurant in New York received an official Marca País licence, the first overseas venue to earn it.

Paraguay Tourism & Culture: Senatur launched “Guardianes del Patrimonio,” a Minecraft Education competition running until Nov. 6, inviting kids 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre with training, guided tours, and age-based categories. Travel & City Life in Asunción: Palma Joven 2026 filled Calle Palma with an estimated 70,000 attendees for youth activities, free access, and a big music lineup, including a 129-drummers performance. Heritage & Nature: Into the Wild spotlights Caazapá National Park, highlighting Atlantic Forest landscapes and toucans, as Paraguay’s parks get more attention. International Travel Rules: A guide outlines which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with requirements varying by passport and stay length. Air Travel Disruption: Budget carrier Paranair will pause all flights Sept. 30–Oct. 12 for aircraft repairs, with rebooking/refund options for ticket holders. Regional Mobility: Costa Rica will require yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1, including Paraguay.

UNESCO & Nature Tourism: Tost, Toson Bumba Nature Reserve in Mongolia received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, with a workshop on “UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Sustainable Tourism” highlighting sustainable travel practices. Paraguay Heritage for Visitors: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back, inviting kids 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education, with training and guided tours running until Nov. 6. Asunción Culture & Events: Palma Joven 2026 brought an estimated 70,000 people to Calle Palma for a youth-focused spring celebration with free access and major local music acts. Travel Safety & Health: Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1, including Paraguay, with proof needed at least 10 days before travel. Paraguay Travel & Business: Paraguay’s “I Love Paraguay” restaurant in New York received the official Marca País country brand licence, boosting Paraguayan food visibility abroad. Local Travel Spotlight: A new “Into the Wild” series kicks off with Caazapá National Park, spotlighting Atlantic Forest wildlife and toucans. Visa Planning: A guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, useful for planning trips. Security & Tourism Risk: Paraguay uncovered a suspected international gold trafficking route, with raids in Asunción and nearby cities—an enforcement story that can affect traveler perceptions. Sports Tourism Angle: Aeromexico announced nonstop Mexico City–Montego Bay flights starting March 18, 2027, adding another Latin America link for Caribbean travel.

Paraguay Tourism & Culture: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back, inviting kids and teens (7–18) to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education, with training and guided tours running until Nov. 6, 2026. Local Events in Asunción: Palma Joven 2026 drew an estimated 70,000 people to Calle Palma on Sept. 26, with free, all-day activities and a big lineup plus a massive 129-drummers performance. Travel Safety & Health: Costa Rica says from Oct. 1 travelers to eight yellow-fever-risk destinations—including Paraguay—must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination and get the shot at least 10 days before travel. Air Travel Watch: Budget airline Paranair will pause all flights for two weeks (Sept. 30–Oct. 12) for repairs, offering rebooking and refunds. Paraguay Spotlight: Authorities report an international gold trafficking network (Operation Aurelia) moving high-purity gold via Paraguay and Panama toward Turkey, with raids in Asunción and arrests. Visa Planning: A guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length.

Yellow Fever Rules for Travelers: Costa Rica will require a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for trips starting Oct. 1 to eight higher-risk destinations, including Paraguay—vaccination must be done at least 10 days before travel and the International Certificate must be carried. Paraguay Tourism & Culture Spotlight: A new “Into the Wild” series kicks off with Caazapá National Park, highlighting Atlantic Forest landscapes and toucans. Asunción Events: Palma Joven 2026 brought an estimated 70,000 people to Calle Palma for a free, all-day youth festival with major local acts and a massive drum performance. Country Brand Abroad: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña awarded the Marca País licence to “I Love Paraguay” in New York, boosting recognition for Paraguayan gastronomy overseas. Heritage Learning for Kids: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” challenges students (7–18) to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education, running until Nov. 6. Travel Planning Guide: A roundup explains which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length.

Paraguay Tourism & Culture: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back, inviting kids 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre in Minecraft Education, with training and guided tours running until 6 Nov 2026. Local Travel & Aviation: Budget carrier Paranair will suspend all flights Sept. 30–Oct. 12 for repairs to its only CRJ-200, with rebooking and refund options for affected passengers. International Routes for Paraguay Travelers: Aeromexico will launch nonstop Mexico City–Montego Bay on Mar 18, 2027, adding another Latin America link for Caribbean travel. Travel Planning Guide: A new roundup explains who can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, covering many countries across South America, Europe, North America, and more. Paraguay Security & Trade: Authorities report an international gold trafficking network moving high-purity gold via Paraguay and Panama toward overseas markets, with raids in Asunción and arrests. Sports & Travel Interest: Paraguay’s Albirroja coach Gustavo Alfaro named a 28-man squad for friendlies in the U.S. vs Bolivia and Colombia.

Air Connectivity: Aeromexico will launch nonstop Mexico City–Montego Bay flights on March 18, 2027, adding a new Latin America link for Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport. Flight Disruptions: Paraguayan budget carrier Paranair will pause all flights from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12 for scheduled repairs to its only CRJ-200, with rebooking and refunds offered to affected passengers. Tourism & Culture in Paraguay: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back, inviting students aged 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre in Minecraft Education, with guided tours and training running until Nov. 6. Travel Planning Guide: A 2026 roundup explains which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free, noting rules vary by passport and length of stay. Local Travel Security: Paraguay says it uncovered an international gold trafficking route, with raids in Asunción and surrounding areas tied to shipments moving via Panama toward overseas markets.

Air Travel Disruption: Paraguay’s budget carrier Paranair will suspend all flights from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12 for scheduled maintenance on its only CRJ-200 jet, with passengers offered rebooking or refunds. Tourism & Entry Rules: A 2026 visa-free guide for Paraguay lists eligible nationalities across South America, Europe, North/Central America and the Caribbean—useful for planning holidays and family visits. Local Culture in Tech: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is underway until Nov. 6, inviting students to recreate Asunción’s Historic Centre in Minecraft Education, with guided tours and age-based categories. Paraguay in the Spotlight: Authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking network moving high-purity gold via Paraguay and Panama toward Turkey, with raids in Asunción and nearby cities. Regional Connectivity: Minor Hotels signed two deals with Grupo Petra in Paraguay, signaling more hotel investment beyond Asunción as global chains look inland. Health & Travel Watch: A Gavi-backed outlet links measles spread across the Americas to declining vaccination coverage and international travel during the 2026 World Cup. Visa Policy Update: Qatar released a list of 47 countries eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa with multiple entries.

Tourism & Culture: Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” is back for 2026, inviting Paraguayan students (7–18) to recreate Asunción’s historic centre in Minecraft Education, with training, guided tours, and categories by age until 6 Nov 2026. Travel & Entry Rules: A new guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, noting rules vary by passport and length of stay. Hospitality Growth: Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra signed two deals to expand their partnership in Paraguay, including a 116-room Asunción management contract under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand. Safety & Travel Disruption: Paraguayan authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking route, arresting four and seizing highly refined gold linked to shipments via Paraguay and Panama toward overseas markets. Sports & Travel: Paraguay’s Albirroja coach Gustavo Alfaro named a 28-man squad for friendlies in the US—vs Bolivia (Washington D.C., 27 Sep) and Colombia (New Jersey, 2 Oct).

Paraguay Tourism & Travel: Paraguay is moving to tighten its travel and tourism environment with fresh visa clarity and new hotel momentum. A guide outlines which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, while Minor Hotels signed two deals with Grupo Petra to expand its presence in Paraguay, including a 116-room Asunción property under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand. Hotel Investment: Another report says Days Inn is studying 8–10 hotels outside Asunción, citing a shortage of international-standard rooms in the interior, with candidate cities including Filadelfia, Pedro Juan Caballero, Villarrica, Concepción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, and more. Public Safety for Travelers: Operation Aurelia uncovered an alleged international gold trafficking route moving high-purity gold from illegal Brazilian mines through Paraguay and Panama toward Turkey, with raids in Asunción and surrounding areas and arrests of four people. Health & Mobility: A Gavi-backed outlet links measles spread in the Americas to World Cup travel and mass gatherings, a reminder for visitors to check vaccination status before trips.