The tourism sector, however, has been quick to respond. For some industry stakeholders, the announcement signals institutional downgrading: the transition of Senatur into a vice ministry is seen as a weakening of its authority. The strongest criticism has come from regional associations such as those in Itapúa, which openly rejected the move, and from the Paraguayan Industrial Hotel Association (AIHPY), which represents over fifty hotels. They argue that Senatur should instead be elevated to an autonomous Vice Ministry of Tourism and Commerce, rather than absorbed into the MIC.
ASATUR—the Paraguayan Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism Companies—took a more cautious stance. In a statement, the organization expressed deep concern over what it sees as a potential institutional regression, though it signaled willingness to support any proposal that genuinely strengthens the sector.
Tensions spilled into the public sphere as well. In comments published by ABC Color, Lucía Velázquez, president of the Paraguayan Association of Tour Operators and Agencies (APOAT), criticized the lack of transparency and exclusion from dialogue. She stated that during a meeting with MIC officials, it was said there was no formal draft of the plan and that “the order came from above,” suggesting the decision is final. Harshly critical, Velázquez said, “They are making a fool of us,” and accused the government of bulldozing through established institutions. She added that they were treated with disrespect and given no clear explanation regarding the potential institutional downgrading.
By contrast, Deputy Minister of Commerce Rodrigo Maluff explained that the meeting's intent was simply to hear the sector’s concerns and plan a smooth transition. He insisted this is not a dismantling of Senatur, but rather a reorganization aimed at boosting tourism within the MIC’s broader structure.
On the legislative front, the plan also includes transferring the Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy—currently under the Ministry of Public Works—into the MIC. This dual absorption of agencies aims to consolidate related functions under a single institutional umbrella.
Strategically, the MIC has outlined five priority areas: attracting major sporting events, developing cultural and musical tourism, promoting business conferences, improving tourism infrastructure, and strengthening logistics linked to the sector. In theory, incorporating Senatur into this framework would generate more effective synergies.
However, the greatest challenge this initiative faces is how it's perceived by the tourism industry. Many stakeholders see the merger as an authoritarian and rushed measure, lacking detailed planning and public participation. They argue that government assurances about maintaining budgets and personnel do not mitigate the symbolic and practical loss of institutional visibility for Senatur.
From the official perspective, the consolidation is expected to improve coordination among tourism, commerce, and industry, enhancing foreign investment opportunities and energizing national destinations through an integrated strategy.
As the proposal moves to Congress, associations like AIHPY, ASATUR, and APOAT are calling for revisions and genuine dialogue, demanding an active role in shaping the new organizational structure and functions. They insist that preserving the operational independence of tourism policy is essential, even within a broader institutional framework.
