Paraguayan tourism guilds back plan to merge tourism secretariat with industry ministry

Paraguayan tourism industry groups have voiced strong support for a government initiative to merge the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC). This strategic move aims to bolster the tourism sector by integrating its development with key economic areas like industry and commerce, thereby granting it greater institutional influence.

Marcos Riquelme, the Minister of MIC, noted the positive reception from nearly all tourism guilds during a recent National Tourism Council meeting. He expressed confidence that this collaborative approach will foster a spirit of joint effort to expand tourism in Paraguay. Riquelme emphasized the need to focus on crucial aspects such as financing, product development, and effective communication of these offerings.

Connectivity remains a significant focus for the proposed merger. Riquelme stressed that while developing diverse tourism products is essential, attracting a consistent flow of visitors is paramount. He explained that without adequate travel frequency to Paraguay, the country cannot fully capitalize on its tourism potential, impacting hotels, restaurants, and related businesses.

The ministry plans to finalize the draft bill with the head of Senatur, Javier Ramírez. Subsequently, the proposal will be submitted to the presidency's legal advisory team before being presented to Congress for deliberation. The integration seeks to create a more robust framework for tourism development, aligning it with national industrial and commercial strategies.