Written by Angie Duarte
Executive Secretary Minister of Tourism (Senatur)
Paraguay will receive the «Gastronomic Capital» award for Asunción this Wednesday, January 24, within the framework of FITUR in Madrid. This is highly positive for the country and focuses the attention of the ever-growing global tourism demand on our delicious traditional dishes.
Our country is participating this week in Madrid, Spain, in the world’s second most important tourism fair, leading for receptive and emitting markets in Latin America. FITUR will bring together more than 9,000 companies and over 150,000 professional attendees from the global tourism industry, representing 145 countries.
Specialized columnists like the Spanish political and business figure Rafael Ansón dedicate an entire article in his blog to us, titled «Paraguayan Gastronomy in Madrid.» He mentions that Paraguay, a country with an extensive and varied gastronomic heritage, deserves to be preserved and made known worldwide. He speaks of the Guarani culture and the origin of Paraguayan cuisine. Such publications uplift and strengthen those of us who understand that tourism in Paraguay is a culture with social and economic impact.
«Our goal is for Paraguay to be a protagonist and to conclude positive business deals for operators.»
Paraguay will have a 66 m2 stand. This fair is crucial for our country and is essential for continuing to promote the tourism industry. Therefore, at SENATUR, we include it in our international fair calendar.
We are going with the goal of making Paraguay a protagonist. Our country will always have a top-tier stand, and we are confident that favorable business deals will be concluded for Paraguayan operators.
SENATUR will be accompanied by six Paraguayan companies from the tourism sector. We will also present the «Visit South America» brand with my colleagues from MERCOSUR, something made possible through the concerted efforts of all ministries.
«This recognition is proof of the excellence of our gastronomy professionals.»
I must mention the support from APYGA – the Paraguayan Academy of Gastronomy – in achieving this award for Paraguay. It is evidence of the excellence of our gastronomy professionals who conquer the world with the flavor of Paraguayan cuisine.
It will be an honor to receive this award in my hands alongside national gastronomy figures: Carlos Micosi, President of APYGA; Oliver Gayet, President of ARPY (Paraguayan Restaurant Association); and Chef Hugo Caballero, Director of the Hospitality program at the National University of Asunción.