(H1): Casino's impact on Paraguay's tourism and economy

Brief conclusion

Casinos in Paraguay operate as anchor tourism facilities in border and resort areas: they increase hotel occupancy, form MICE traffic, lengthen the average length of stay and create multipliers for transport, catering and services. Against the backdrop of a record tourist flow in 2024 (2.2 million visits; ≈ USD 766 million impact on the economy) and an increase in regulatory fees CONAJZAR, the role of industry in GDP and regional budgets is increasing.

Where casinos boost tourism

1) Ciudad del Este (Brazil/Argentina border)

Hotel Casino Acaray is a classic example of "hotel + casino" by the Paraná River, minutes from Friendship Bridge and Iguaçu as a macromagnite. The complex pulls overnight "shopping" tourism and business trips, complementing shopping clusters.

2) Encarnacion (beaches, carnival, family vacation)

Carnaval Hotel Casino supports resort demand all year round: pools, spa, restaurant, proximity to the waterfront and beaches. For the city, this is a stable premium segment of accommodation and events.

💡 Such objects form "weekend packages" and MICE formats (conferences + leisure), which increases the average trip check and local tax revenues.

Economic effects (by contour)

1. Direct: casino/hotel revenue, jobs (gaming room, hotel, F&B, security), payments to suppliers.

2. Indirect: tour operators, transport, excursions (Iguazu, recreational areas of Paraná), retail.

3. Induced: household consumption of industry workers in the region.

At the budget level, the canons and fees of CONAJZAR (not equal to GGR, but reflect the industry turnover) are a key indicator. In October 2024, a monthly record of G. 15.521 billion was recorded, and for January-October 2024 - G. 143.376 billion (+ 10% YoY).

Tourism 2024: A window of opportunity for casinos

According to SENATUR/Agencia IP, in 2024 Paraguay received more than 2.2 million visitors (1.06 million tourists + 1.17 million one-day), which is 22% higher than 2023; economic impact exceeded USD 766 million. The growing demand for accommodation and entertainment enhances the payback of hotel-casino projects and event venues.

Why border clusters are critical

"Triple border" effect: synergy with Foz do Iguaçu/Puerto Iguaçu enhances shopping and excursion flows; having a casino helps keep a guest overnight on the Paraguayan side.

Variety of product: shopping tour + casino + spa/gastronomy form a more "expensive" and long route, increasing the check of stay.

Direction marketing: casinos provide an understandable news feed and infrastructure for tournament weeks, corporate events and festivals (Encarnacion Carnival).

What the economy and budget gets

Fiscal effects: growth in canons/fees of the regulator (record levels in 2024) and indirect taxes from related industries. At the end of the year, CONAJZAR reported ≈ USD 22.2 million in receipts; in 2025, the goal of multiple increases due to administration and competition is declared.

Employment: casino hotels create direct jobs (front office services, games, security, kitchen, technical support), as well as demand from related parties (catering, transport, events).

Diversification of tourist products: along with beach, event and shopping tourism, casinos form year-round demand.

Risks and how to level them

Seasonality and concentration in the border area → diversify the product (MICE, sports and e-sports events, gastronomy).

Gray online streams → accelerate the introduction of secondary and competitive tenders in order to migrate traffic to the "white" segment and increase collection.

Reputational risks → strengthening the tools of responsible play in hotels and the online server side.

Roadmap 2025-2030 (practice for stakeholders)

For State/Regulator

1. Multi-licensing and transparent tenders in verticals with a high tourist effect (betting, online casino) → + investments, + marketing.

2. Urban event design (carnivals, festivals, poker series, show games) - joint calendars with SENATUR and cities.

3. MICE incentives: tax incentives/grants for international conferences in Ciudad del Este and Encarnación.

For operators/developers

1. Casino + destination package: shared fares with air carriers/bus lines, cross sales with excursions to Iguazu.

2. Product for Latam audience: live show, local music, UX on ES/Guarani, fast payments.

3. ESG and responsible play: visible limits, staff training, reporting on social effects - this increases trust and converts traffic into "long" visits.

Anchor cases (illustrations)

Hotel Casino Acaray, Ciudad del Este - 100 + rooms, spa, pools, casino; 5-10 minutes to the Friendship Bridge and shopping areas. Typical driver of business and shopping tourism.

Carnaval Hotel Casino, Encarnación - indoor/outdoor pools, spa, restaurant; operates as an all-season resort center and event venue for the carnival season.

Conclusion

The casino industry of Paraguay is already making a tangible contribution to tourism and regional economies: at a "long distance" it is the combination of resort and border assets, transparent licensing and integration with the event calendar that will give the greatest increase in overnight stays, average check and budget receipts. While maintaining the 2024 tourism trend and CONAJZAR record fees, the 2025-2030 window of opportunity is the scaling of casino hotels and MICE clusters in the nodes of Ciudad del Este and Encarnación.

Source base: SENATUR/Agencia IP reports on tourism-2024, media materials MEF/CONAJZAR on fees 2024 and reference cards of hotel and treasury infrastructure (Acaray in Ciudad del Este; Carnaval in Encarnación).