The Panamanian Government wants to avoid cruise tourism to depend on the decisions of North American companies.

According to the General Manager of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), Solomon Shamah, the cruise industry is very important for Panama, as it has facilities in both oceans, but the most important thing is the fact that the country is located in a privileged position in Central America and has an air hub which provides the opportunity of being a “home port”.

Now the challenge for the country is that it is “still not recognized as a Caribbean destination, so authorities are working on positioning this brand image by creating their own cruise line, with the participation of Panamanian companies and companies in the region”, reported Anpanama.com.

“If private investors take the first step I would go to the highest level in the government to help them so that they could generate their own product and we will assume part of the risk. This would be the only way to achieve this goal, since a 500-room cruise ship costs tens of millions of dollars,” he added.

Source: Agencia de Noticias Panamá