Uela was designated as the Official Travel Partner of the event and is in charge of organizing the logistics of accommodation for thousands of people who will arrive in the country during the competition. “It is a huge responsibility and a source of pride to be part of this historic moment,” said Gayol, who recalled the beginnings of uela as a project promoted by young Paraguayans committed to the development of domestic tourism.
According to official estimates, more than 250,000 national and international visitors are expected to arrive. To this end, more than 1,500 rooms have been made available in hotels and inns in the department of Itapúa, in addition to an exclusive camping and glamping area with more than 7,000 places available, strategically distributed along the rally route.
The director of Santa Fe emphasized that this event, in addition to representing an opportunity for sports tourism, promotes an experience of contact with nature and appreciation of the territory. “The rally takes place amid incredible landscapes. It is not only about the motor racing spectacle, but also about connecting with the natural surroundings of Itapúa. It is a complete experience for all audiences,” he explained.
Gayol also pointed out that most reservations are concentrated in areas close to the starting point or the sectors where the stages will end, but that coverage extends throughout the department, highlighting locations such as Trinidad, Bella Vista, Hohenau, Obligado, and others beyond Encarnación.
During the interview, the transformation that the region is undergoing as a result of these large-scale events was highlighted. Itapúa is beginning to emerge as a new permanent tourist attraction, leaving behind seasonality and positioning itself as a year-round destination. “Encarnación is no longer just synonymous with summer or carnival. Today we are talking about a department that is developing infrastructure to host international events on a regular basis,” he said.
In addition to the WRC, competitions such as the Ironman triathlon, the ASU25 Pan American Games, and regional sporting events that mobilized thousands of people have already been held in the area over the past year. This trend, according to Gayol, contributes to generating a multiplier effect on the local economy. “Behind tourism there is a whole production chain: transportation, gastronomy, cultural production, event organization, crafts, communication, cleaning. Local people benefit directly and new employment opportunities are created,” he said.
André Gayol Pires, director and founder of Uela.
The growth of tourism in Paraguay is also driving improvements in key infrastructure. In Itapúa, for example, investments are being made to modernize the airport, and international flights and greater connectivity are planned. “These types of events drive development and force us as a country to raise the standards of care, hospitality, and services,” Gayol noted.
Regarding the process for Paraguay to host the WRC, he explained that it was a joint effort between the public and private sectors, supported by national companies committed to the country’s international positioning. “The dream is for Paraguay to consolidate itself as the permanent venue for the rally, and for events like this to be added to a sustained agenda that includes sports, culture, and tourism as pillars of development,” he concluded.
With more than 80% of hotel occupancy already confirmed and less than 50 days to go before the start of the event, Itapúa is experiencing a preview of what will be one of the most important tourist mobilizations in its recent history. An event that will attract visitors and leave a deep mark on the territory, the economy, and Paraguay’s international projection.
