With the purpose of diversifying its income and attracting more visitors, the authorities of the Panama Canal plan to develop new tourist attractions during the next five years.

Representatives of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) informed that after the Canadian firm Forrs conducted a study to identify the attractions that could be developed, it was concluded that some of the investments that will be granted in concession for its exploitation are the expansion of the visitors center and the construction of a new one, a 2,500 m2 park for children’s activities and the operation of a cable car.

You may be interested in “Central America: $766 million in Tourism Projects”

Regarding the projects’ implementation, Prensa.com reports that the authorities of the Panama Canal “… work on the legal and technical bases of what will be the regulatory framework of the tourist concessions that will begin to be awarded from 2019 to develop the new amenities. The first project tendered will be a cable car connecting the Miraflores and Cocolí locks. Visitors will have a unique view of the Canal’s operations.”

The article adds that “…. From an initial list of 200 attractions, which included theme parks, a total of 12 ideas were reached that will be grouped into 5 concepts such as marine, cultural and gastronomic activities, among others. Everything will be taken to concession for a third party to develop the business. The ACP’s idea is to extend the tourists’ current visit from two hours to two days.”