Panama close to the two million visitors mark

By: Michelle Dominguez

During the first eight months of this year, 1,249,160 visitors have entered into Panama, according to the Statics Department of the Tourism Authority of Panama (APT, Spanish Acronym).This number has increased by 11.9% from 2010, when 1,115,867 visitors were reported, which demonstrates that the goal of 2,000,000 visitors by the end of 2011 is attainable.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

Although the Tourism Authority of Panama only tracks the number of people who enter into Panama, the Panamanian economy is the one that benefits the most. From January through August of 2011, tourists have spent $1,243.6 million in foreign currency. The amount of foreign currency will double by the end of the year due to cruise line passengers and daily visitors and tourists.

EVENTS

This goal is supported by congresses, conventions, and sporting events such as the Baseball World Cup, which all combined have generated over than 30,000 hotel nights, thousands of employment avenues in the capital city and other regions within the country.

As if it were not enough, —the year has not come to an end— from October 19th through October 21th, Panama will reconfirm its position as the center of the world and the place where the world meets by hosting the 2011 Central America Travel Market Fair. For this gathering, the attendance of all the countries of this region is expected, with more than 200 representatives.

“Panama will be promoted as a highly competitive tourist multi-destination in the international sector in order to generate more employment, income, and local growth in Central America,” which was advised through a press release by the Tourism Authority of Panama.

Gateways

The Tourism Authority of Panama reported that Tocumen International Airport still remains as the central receptor for visitors, as it has received 856,774 visitors during the first semester of 2011 while in 2010, it received 772,299. The border of Paso Canca received 112, 605 visitors during the first semester of 2011, registering 12,474 more visitors than last year. The central cruise ports received 218, 384 travelers up to the month of August in 2011 while in 2010, for the same time period, they had received 186,737 cruise passengers.