A report prepared by consultancy MF Economía estimates that the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 generated USD 431.3 million for Paraguay’s economy. Of this total, USD 156.6 million came from direct spending by visitors and event operations, while a further USD 274.8 million circulated through the national economy via suppliers, jobs and associated services. Public investment reached USD 85 million, delivering a return of nearly 2.75 times the amount invested.
The Games brought together 4,072 athletes from 41 countries across 28 sports and 42 disciplines, surpassing the figures from the inaugural edition. Official data confirm that 49,598 international visitors travelled to Paraguay for the event, generating USD 71.6 million in direct spending. The National Sports Secretariat (SND) and the National Migration Directorate also reported that 10,272 foreign visitors were directly linked to the Games, while hotel occupancy in Asunción and Gran Asunción exceeded 80% during the competition period.
The President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP), Camilo Pérez López Moreira, underlined the importance of the results: “This report vindicates Paraguay’s ambitions to become a leader in the development of sport across the Americas and beyond.”
Comparison with Cali-Valle 2021
The inaugural Cali-Valle 2021 edition (November 25–December 5, 2021) gathered more than 3,800 athletes from 41 countries in 39 disciplines. The City of Cali reported 6,426 tourists (80% domestic), organizational spending of COP 97.959 billion, and an estimated economic impact of COP 233 billion. In terms of audiences, Panam Sports reported over 1.5 million live views on the Panam Sports Channel, with the signal broadcast in more than 30 countries.
In contrast, Asunción 2025 delivered clearly higher figures: more athletes, more international visitors, and an overall economic return nearly twice as large as that of the first edition. Growth in participation, tourism and economic benefits highlights the consolidation of the event after just two editions.
Tourism boost and regional projection
The Games also boosted Paraguay’s tourism sector, with an 86% increase in visitor arrivals in August 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Tourism-related revenue reached nearly USD 23 million, according to estimates by the local press. Paraguay TV further detailed the distribution of visitor spending: 38% on accommodation, 27% on food, 15% on transport and 20% on other goods and services.
Hosting the Games enabled the application of standards required by the Pan American Sports Organization (ODEPA/Panam Sports) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including multi-venue competition protocols, volunteer management, accreditation systems, tested scheduling, security and medical services. The Paraguayan Olympic Park and the National Sports Secretariat served as operational hubs, featuring world-class facilities such as the Olympic Aquatic Center, used for the first time in an international event, along with the Athletes’ Village designed for post-Games residential use.
Future bids and objectives
Paraguay has confirmed its ambition to host future events, including the 2030 Youth Olympic Games and the 2031 Pan American Games. This strategy is supported by upgraded facilities, long-term infrastructure plans, and proven capacity to meet schedules and budgets.
The experience gained strengthens Paraguay’s bids with verifiable data on costs, return on investment, employment, accommodation and audiences, while reinforcing partnerships between public institutions and private stakeholders. The MF Economía report emphasizes that Paraguay successfully organized a continental-scale event in an efficient and sustainable manner.
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