Not previously renowned as one of Latin America's market leaders in tourism, the Paraguayan government has earmarked the sector for development. The country received an average of 360,000 tourists annually over recent years. The country is divided between the oriental and the occidental regions for most things, including tourism. The oriental side is more commercial, urban and densely populated. As a landlocked country, Paraguay has no beaches, but it does offer waterside resorts at its lakes.
Tourists spend an average of three to four nights in the country.
Paraguay's tourist attractions are varied. Some tourists are drawn by the vast Chaco in the west, others by the world's largest hydroelectric dam, Italpu, or the beauty of numerous species of wild life in their natural habitat. Some 40,000 more can be added to this figure when counting long holidays and weekends. Paraguay has almost 11,000 beds, more than half of which in Asuncion. Derlis Esteche, Director of the tourism Division in the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, believes there is scope for expansion.