The number of visitors who entered Panama through the Tocumen International Airport rose more than 13 percent during the month of November 2012 compared to the same time period in 2011, according to a report by the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP).

The figures indicate more than 1.1 million people entered Panama through the airport between January through November 2011, and this year that number increased to more than 1.3 million.

According to figures provided by the ATP, of this total number of visitors who entered the country through the Tocumen International Airport, 47.6% are from South America, followed by 28.3% from North America, and 9.8% from Europe.

Meanwhile, Central America represents 8.5%, Asia 2.5%, and the Caribbean 2.5%.

According to the ATP, the results of this period show that international tourist arrivals to the country continue to increase, even from distant regions like Oceania and Asia. From Europe there is an increase in arrivals from the Spanish, Swiss, French and Germans.

The ATP Administrator Solomon Shamah said the growth trend of visitors through the Tocumen International Airport remains at 15 percent, and those numbers will grow as the project to expand the airport is finished.

Currently there is a master plan for the expansion of the airport terminal, and the construction of the new South Concourse has already been completed, said the information provided by the ATP. (Estrella)