Latest News
During the first five months of the year, 840,000 tourists visited the country, an increase of 89,000 over the same period in 2010.
Approximately 840,499 tourists arrived in Panama during the first five months of 2011. This is an increase of 89,091 visitors when compared with the same period in 2010.
Visitors are growing at a rate of 11%, the majority are arriving from; Canada and United States (30%); Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico (60%) and considerable increases from Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador. A smaller percentage are arriving from Asia and Europe (10%), explained Ernesto Orillac, Spokesman for the Panamanian Tourism Authority (ATP).
However, owners of small hotels and boarding houses have yet to be able to benefit from the growing tourism numbers because most of these visits are concentrated in the City of Panama itself due to a lack of promotion for other tourist destinations in the interior of the country, complained Armando Rodríguez, President of the Association of Panamanian Small Hotels (Hoppan).
“The occupation rates in smaller hotels sits around 40% at best, except during regional holidays or when special events take place,” said Rodriguez.
He noted that 90% of the outreach effort targets international promotions. Between 2010 and 2011 there has been an advertisement investment of $13.5 million.
Due to concern for small hotel operators in the interior of the Republic, Orillac suggested that Government campaigns will strive to encourage domestic tourism.
They have announced campaigns such as 'Get Away to the Valley', 'Bocas Combo' and 'Chiriqui has it All’ (this will not only include Boquete, but also David, Volcán, Boca Chica and Las Lajas).
Visitors are growing at a rate of 11%, the majority are arriving from; Canada and United States (30%); Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico (60%) and considerable increases from Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador. A smaller percentage are arriving from Asia and Europe (10%), explained Ernesto Orillac, Spokesman for the Panamanian Tourism Authority (ATP).
However, owners of small hotels and boarding houses have yet to be able to benefit from the growing tourism numbers because most of these visits are concentrated in the City of Panama itself due to a lack of promotion for other tourist destinations in the interior of the country, complained Armando Rodríguez, President of the Association of Panamanian Small Hotels (Hoppan).
“The occupation rates in smaller hotels sits around 40% at best, except during regional holidays or when special events take place,” said Rodriguez.
He noted that 90% of the outreach effort targets international promotions. Between 2010 and 2011 there has been an advertisement investment of $13.5 million.
Due to concern for small hotel operators in the interior of the Republic, Orillac suggested that Government campaigns will strive to encourage domestic tourism.
They have announced campaigns such as 'Get Away to the Valley', 'Bocas Combo' and 'Chiriqui has it All’ (this will not only include Boquete, but also David, Volcán, Boca Chica and Las Lajas).
According to the ATP, there were about 7,475 rooms registered in the Provinces during January in order to meet the expected demand
Fuente: El Siglo
Season in Panama
Access to Bocas
The Panamanian Tourism Authority (ATP) has launched a new travel destination in their promotion program. “Discover the Interior” will promote destinations such as Pedasi and Veraguas throughout the year.
Bocas del Toro, a favorite destination for both Panamanian residents and foreigners, can be visited over the next four months at promotional prices starting at $240.00 USD.
Airfare is included in the price, with round-trip ticket, breakfast and taxes, for two nights and three days. Visitors also have the option of extending their stay to four nights and five days.
Twenty hotels are participating in this promotional offer, thanks largely to a co-operative effort put forth by the ATP, The Bocas del Toro Chamber of Tourism and Aeroperlas Airways. Participating restaurants are also offering discounts of up to 15%.
Airfare is included in the price, with round-trip ticket, breakfast and taxes, for two nights and three days. Visitors also have the option of extending their stay to four nights and five days.
Twenty hotels are participating in this promotional offer, thanks largely to a co-operative effort put forth by the ATP, The Bocas del Toro Chamber of Tourism and Aeroperlas Airways. Participating restaurants are also offering discounts of up to 15%.
Fuente: PAdigital.com
Las Perlas is an oasis with its warm, bright turquoise colors. - Paradise
Regarded as one of the most attractive island groupings in Panama with its abundance of unspoiled beauty, Las Perlas archipelago possesses a mysterious attraction that captivates travelers.
Its charm dates back many centuries, to an age when Spaniards ruled the area. It is said that the name comes from the vast amounts of beautiful pearls that are found in the area.
In fact, the famous Peregrina Pearl, owned by Philip II and later to the actress Elizabeth Taylor was found in this region.
An area of paradise.
Its charm dates back many centuries, to an age when Spaniards ruled the area. It is said that the name comes from the vast amounts of beautiful pearls that are found in the area.
In fact, the famous Peregrina Pearl, owned by Philip II and later to the actress Elizabeth Taylor was found in this region.
An area of paradise.
No words can describe how much pure beauty can be found in the Pearl Islands.
Possible stops include: Contadora, Saboga, and El Rey; all inhabited islands and the most popular destinations where you can view one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Uninhabited islands include: Pacheca, Pacequilla and Bartolomé where you feel a dreamy sense of relaxation.
However, the beauty to be found in this region is not limited to the islands mentioned above. The waters encompassing this area’s picturesque nature and charm extend to an area of over 1,165 square kilometers.
Possible stops include: Contadora, Saboga, and El Rey; all inhabited islands and the most popular destinations where you can view one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets.
Uninhabited islands include: Pacheca, Pacequilla and Bartolomé where you feel a dreamy sense of relaxation.
However, the beauty to be found in this region is not limited to the islands mentioned above. The waters encompassing this area’s picturesque nature and charm extend to an area of over 1,165 square kilometers.
Fuente: PAdigtal.com
“This year, about five thousand people will be hired in hotels, therefore, investment and training are priorities for strengthening the tourism sector”, said Sara Pardo, President of the Panamanian Association of Hotels (APATEL).
Pardo noted that it is necessary to work with tourism associations and authorities in order to achieve better results and position the country as a destination for tourists. She also noted that an investment of $611.9 million for the hotel industry is projected in 2011.
To capture the attention of those interested in working in the tourism sector, Pardo explained that they are participating in conjunction with the Ministry of Education on the "Adopt a School" program. The goal is to provide training at 20 educational centers in the fields of tourism, hospitality and visitor attention.
This program seeks to train students about hotels and motivate them to seek employment in the sector after they have completed their studies.
Hotels currently participating in the program include: The Crown Golf & Resort, The Country Inn Amador, The Crowne Plaza, The Four Points by Sheraton, Gamboa Rainforest, The Gran Hotel Azuero, Holiday Inn, La Casa del Risco, Le Meridien, Miramar Intercontinental, and several others.
The Tourism Authority of Panama is aware of the importance of the development of tourism within the interior of our country. They have launched campaign entitled, "Discover your Interior", which promotes this area of the country with affordable rates and support for destinations like Boquete, Pedasí, Veraguas, and many others that can be visited by local and foreign tourists alike. This program is designed to enhance and promote the beauty of the Panamanian interior.
The first destination to be promoted during this campaign was El Valle de Anton with a promotion entitled “Discover the Interior, Get Away to the Valley. This event, which will run until October, will boost the economy of the region, and provide affordable rates for visitors who wish to enjoy some of the beautiful destinations that Coclé Province has to offer.
The next destination included in this campaign is Bocas del Toro, with its Bocas Combo being one of the tourist destinations for both foreign and domestic visitors. This region of the country offers visitors a wide array of activities and locations to enjoy, including: beautiful natural environments, unique beaches perfect for sunbathing and surfing, wonderful food and islands that beckon you to come and escape. This campaign is the result of agreements between the ATP, the Bocas del Toro Chamber of Tourism, and Aeroperlas. It aims to help both Panamanian and foreign visitors enjoy this destination at affordable prices, with range of excellent hotels to choose from. With an expected operating period of five months, this incentive program offers accommodations at 20 different hotels with promotional prices from $240.00 per person, including roundtrip airfare, accommodations with breakfast, and taxes. The packages include two nights and three days with an option of up to 4 nights and 5 days, varying according to the time selected and the cost of the hotel. It also offers discounts of 15% at participating restaurants and tour operators.
As indicated by the slogan of this promotion“The Bocas has never been so close”, a single traveler needs only some time off and a booking to enjoy an excellent stay that includes guaranteed relaxation, a beautiful destination, comfortable atmosphere, friendly people, and a unique regional cuisine. The program will contribute, enhance and promote the efforts of private enterprise in this region to offer an affordable opportunity for all those wishing to visit The Bocas and improve the region's economy.
