Hotels Biju John | October 04, 2026

Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra Expand Partnership in Paraguay, Announce New NH Hotel in Asunción

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with over 640 properties operating and in development across 67 countries, and Grupo Petra, one of Paraguay’s leading real estate players, have signed two agreements in Madrid to strengthen their collaboration in the country.

Strategic Alliance
- Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra signed two agreements in Madrid:
- A strategic partnership to explore new hotel development opportunities in Paraguay.
- A management contract for a new 116-room NH hotel in Asunción.

New NH Hotel in Asunción
- Four-star property under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand.
- Located on Calle Quesada, near Shopping Mariscal, major banks, and the financial district.
- Features: rooftop restaurant & bar, 244 sqm of meeting/event space, gym, and outdoor pool.
- Construction starts in Q1 2027, opening expected by late 2029.

Market Context
- Paraguay is emerging as a dynamic market for real estate and tourism investment.
- Asunción: financial and business hub.
- Ciudad del Este: cross-border trade and business activity.
- Encarnación: tourism, events, and residential development.
- Stable macroeconomic environment and infrastructure improvements are driving demand.

Long-Term Vision
- Minor Hotels’ asset-light growth strategy focuses on management and franchise agreements with strong local partners.
- Grupo Petra will identify and structure projects for NH, NH Collection, and Tivoli brands.
- First milestone: Petra Imperiale in Asunción, opening in early 2030 under the NH Collection brand.

Leadership Voices
- Gonzalo Aguilar (Minor Hotels CEO, Europe & Americas): highlighted disciplined growth and leveraging brand strength with local expertise.
- Carlos Guasti (Grupo Petra President): emphasized bringing global brands to Paraguay to elevate real estate and hospitality standards.

This collaboration positions Paraguay as a growing hospitality hub in South America, with Asunción leading and secondary cities offering complementary demand.