ENCARNACIÓN – The Paraguayan border city of Encarnación has recently emerged as a new destination for shopping and gastronomy among Argentinian tourists. A noticeable increase in the number of people crossing the San Roque González de Santa Cruz bridge, which connects Argentina and Paraguay, has revitalized the border region's economy.
According to the Paraguayan Immigration Office (Migraciones), an average of 10,000 to 12,000 Argentinians have been entering Encarnación daily in recent weeks. This phenomenon is attributed to a combination of factors, including the competitive pricing of Paraguayan goods and a rich culinary scene, even amid the depreciation of the Argentinian peso. The Commercial Circuit (Circuito Comercial) near the bridge is particularly bustling with tourists, and a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, electronics, tires, and daily necessities, are selling like hotcakes.
Daniel Ferreira, president of the Commercial Circuit Merchants' Association, stated, "Even with the slight drop in the value of the Argentinian peso, the goods here are still much cheaper." He added, "During the two-week holiday season, we had a lot of customers and saw very satisfactory sales." Although he doesn't yet feel the full commercial effect reflected in the immigration statistics, he anticipates an influx of more tourists with the upcoming World Rally Championship (Mundial de Rally).
Ferreira also highlighted that the recently introduced integrated checkpoint system (control integrado) has shortened border crossing times, providing convenience for shoppers. He expressed his hope that this efficient system, combined with international events, will help establish Encarnación as a hub for 'shopping tourism' (turismo de compra).
Meanwhile, another major draw of Encarnación is its food scene. The city's restaurants, which have been growing in recent years, are attracting Argentinian diners. From business meetings to personal meals and various social gatherings, Argentinians are willingly crossing the border to enjoy Encarnación's high-quality cuisine.
In line with this increase in tourism, Encarnación is preparing to become a more international city. Last month, the Itapúa Airport (Aeropuerto de Itapúa) was upgraded to an international airport, opening up new flight routes. This is seen as a crucial step for Encarnación to evolve into a hub for international tourism beyond just shopping. The city is ambitious to secure a unique position in the Latin American tourism market by leveraging its affordable prices and culinary appeal, as well as by hosting international sports and cultural events.
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