This should be the number 1 priority of the new administration and as they say “It is the Economy Stupid”! For Panama’s tourism businessmen, the lack of government capacity to give continuity to the industry’s plans is one of the main barriers to the growth of the activity in the future.
Although in 2018, the expenditure of tourists in the country totaled $4,605 million, surpassing by 3.3% that recorded in 2017, the sector estimates that more than 60 thousand jobs have been lost in the last three years.
You may be interested in “Threats to “Traditional” tourism”
Regarding what businessmen are asking to improve the situation of tourism, Panamaamerica.com.pa reports that “… the industry has asked to review the law of days off, which according to them when these dates are recorded there is a $70 million contribution to the national economy and from which tourism, especially in the interior of the country, benefits.”
Armando Rodriguez, president of the Panamanian Association of Hotels (Apatel), explained that “… it requires an integration among the representatives of the sector that allows the necessary consensus to promote the tourist products that Panama has for the attraction of visitors, besides achieving that the Government which assumes the administration of the State, from next July 1, designs the necessary strategies to get benefits for the economy of the country.”
Also see “Tourism in Panama: Revenues Up 3% in 2018” and “Panama: Hotel Occupancy Down 7%“.
Regarding hotel occupancy, data from the Office of the General Comptroller of the Republic indicate that in 2018 hotels in Panama City reported an average daily occupancy of 4,602 rooms, 7% less than that recorded in 2017.
Panama has passed more laws to reduce tourism then to enhance it, They have outlawed Airbnb the largest tourist site in the world that brings more tourists and any other entity and that is illegal in Panama. Panama slogan is come to Panama as a tourist and get thrown in jail for visiting. The level of stupidity in the tourist bureau is so high it is hard to comprehend. This is just one example the slogan they did spend 2 million coming up with was Panama not for tourists which I guess makes sense since tourists can be fined and thrown in jail just for visiting if they book through a site like airbnb.
It’s absolutely NO SURPRISE for ME to learn that Panama has struggled with Tourism and revenues for the country.
Hotel vacancy rates are soaring.
The tourism laws change frequently.
And the requirement to leave the country after a # of days here are absolutely crazy.
It seems like the Tourism Department… if they actually have one… changes the rules whenever they choose.
It is not apparent to me that they have any concept of the money expats spend while they are here.
Many expat people have chosen to live in Panama for many reasons… cost of living, climate, safety. etc.
The border crossing rules are like playing ‘Russian Roulette’.
What are the rules this week?
Many of my friends who are long-term Panama expats are FED UP!
They have sold their houses, and returned to their home country.
PANAMA needs to learn a lesson here…
Don’t annoy the people who come to live here and support the country financially.
My comment is based upon ‘real people’ who are not involved in the country’s corruption or money laundering schemes.
Sooner or later… I hope they wake up!
Sooner would be better for the country.