I have always been a believer that a tie in with Costa Rica would greatly benefit Panama as well as it would Costa Rica.  While Panama has similar attractions  and tourism resorts found in Costa Rica, we have much more diverse economy that can bring things to the table for Costa Rica.  Costa Rica brings a well oiled tourism program and process that is like the way that the folks at Disney runs things.

Although each Central American country has its own unique characteristics, their geographic proximity and similarities, among other things, are elements that can be used to raise the region’s profile as a worldwide tourist destination.

These were the conclusions reached at the VIII Central American Travel Market, CATM 2011, one of the isthmus’s more relevant tourism industry promotion events, which recently took place in Panama.

It was attended by businesspeople and experts from the sector from all countries in the region, who agreed to be more coordinated, and planned new projects together.

An example of this is the 2012 launch of sustainable tourism in Central America, a quality seal which aims to attract new investors interested in ecological and eco-friendly destinations.

An article on End.com.ni states: “This year, the region is estimated to grow by 4.5% with an influx of 11 million tourists, which includes both excursionists and cruise visitors. In foreign exchange, the projection is $8 billion.

“The trend we are seeing as a region is positive, although due to the financial crisis in Europe that is also looming in America, we are growing less than in 2009,” explained the official. “