EXPLORING PANAMA: A SUSTAINABLE, SAFE, AND ACCESSIBLE DESTINATION
With its cultural heritage, natural parks, commitment to sustainability and excellent connectivity, Panama offers rich experiences for every traveller. |
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EXPLORING PANAMA: A SUSTAINABLE, SAFE, AND ACCESSIBLE DESTINATION
With its cultural heritage, natural parks, commitment to sustainability and excellent connectivity, Panama offers rich experiences for every traveller. |
Category: Central and South America - Panama - Industry economy
- Tourism
Article written by Asia Abadie on 2025-02-06
 Paddle at Taboga Island, Panama City, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
We had the great pleasure of talking to Promtur Panama about the country's rich heritage and its efforts to decentralise tourism.
Let's start with what worries us most before choosing a destination: the climate! Panama has a pleasant tropical climate all year round, with average temperatures of around 27°C. As it is a tropical country, with a distinct rainy season, Promtur advises that the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, the rainy season, from May to early October, also has its charms, as the lush landscapes and rich biodiversity are at their peak.
Sustainability and environment
One of Panama's main assets is its commitment to sustainable development. 63% of the country is covered by forests, and the government is committed to keeping it that way. Panama is one of only three carbon-neutral countries in the world, which means that it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it produces. This is thanks in part to the protection of its vast coastline, 54% of which is national and protected territory.
Panama also has no fewer than 17 national parks that preserve its green heritage and offer visitors the chance to explore nature in a responsible and sustainable way, such as Coiba National Park, where tourists can go scuba diving.
Between its 3,000 kilometres of beaches throughout the country and its 1,500 islands spread across Panama's Caribbean and Pacific territory - an archipelago known as the Pearl Islands - Panama has plenty of land to protect.
You'll even find the oldest research institute in the region at the centre of the Panama Canal: the Smithsonian Research Institute, operated in collaboration with the United States. The institute aims to protect whales crossing the canal by establishing a different path for ships to avoid accidents.
The sustainable tourism strategy also aims to develop communities throughout the country, particularly Amerindian communities, and to promote all aspects of Panama, such as its heritage, biodiversity and flora.
Tourism infrastructure
The country has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure, particularly in accommodation and transport. With a hotel capacity of around 30,000 rooms throughout the country, including more than 18,000 in Panama City and a further 10,000 spread across the country, visitors have a wide range of options, from luxury hotels to boutique establishments.
Promtur is also highlighting Panama's metro system, which is now linked to Tocumen International Airport, making it easier for travellers to get around the capital. The metro is currently being extended to other areas to provide easy access to the most popular tourist sites.
Safety and connectivity
Safety is a top priority for Panama, declared one of the safest destinations in Central and Latin America. The country also boasts unrivalled connectivity. Tocumen International Airport offers non-stop flights to more than 88 destinations worldwide, making it the most connected airport in Latin America. With a capacity of over 2,000 daily flights between its various airports, Panama is an essential hub for travellers to and from the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean and even Asia.
Panama is in talks to re-establish a direct flight to China, adding another important route to its growing list of connections. Finally, Turkish Airlines operates flights between Istanbul and Panama, either non-stop or with a triangular connection to Bogota.
The national airline, COPA, plays an important role in promoting tourism thanks to its stopover programme in Panama. This initiative allows travellers to stay in Panama for up to six nights at no extra cost, with the exception of the airport departure tax. The programme is designed to encourage visitors to explore Panama while in transit to other destinations, offering two trips for the price of one.
Cultural and heritage tourism
Panama's history and culture are as rich and diverse as its landscape. The country is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo. Panama Viejo, the original site of Panama City, was destroyed by pirates in the 1500s. The ruins can still be seen today. The city was then rebuilt to the west of its original location, and this historic district, now known as Casco Viejo, is famous for its colonial architecture, lively nightlife and luxury hotels such as the Sofitel Legend, located on what was once Panama's high society club, or the La Compañia - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel, which stands on the ruins of a Catholic church. The area is also known for its easy walkability and safety, making it a must-visit for tourists. In addition, Panama has been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, offering a varied culinary experience.
Cruise tourism
Panama has recently expanded its cruise infrastructure with the opening of a new terminal on the Pacific coast, complementing the existing terminal in the Caribbean. With a cruise port at both ends of the canal, the country is positioning itself as a prime destination for cruise passengers.
A programme has been put in place to attract more cruise lines, offering reduced rates for ships passing through the canal, depending on their capacity and frequency. As a result, the cruise tourism segment is expected to continue to grow, with more visitors taking advantage of Panama's unique location as a connecting point between oceans.
Business and MICE
Panama is fast becoming a key player in the business and convention market. If you are visiting for business reasons, you will find that sustainable practices are evident in its two major convention centres - the Panama Convention Centre (650,000 m²) and the Atlapa Convention Centre. Both offer state-of-the-art facilities and technology for hosting international events.
Located at the entrance to the Panama Canal with easy access from the city centre, the Panama Convention Centre has been named one of the top five convention centres in the world. It is the largest in Central America and is considered to be one of the most modern and environmentally friendly in Latin America, from the lighting to the air-conditioning system. It can accommodate up to 23,000 people and is committed to consuming as little energy as possible. Everything used in the building is recyclable or reusable.
Panama has forged important partnerships to consolidate its role in the global business community. In 2021, the country signed a regional agreement with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming a member in 2022.
The Panama Association Hub, launched as part of this partnership, aims to attract international associations and foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation in the region. The ICCA's first regional office in Latin America will open in Panama early this year, marking another milestone in its efforts to become the capital of international associations in the region.
Panama is also set to host Serendipians, the essence of luxury travel, for the next eight years. Called the Essence of Panama, it will represent the Americas, while the Essence of Sardinia will represent Europe and the Essence of Thailand will represent Asia. The host hotels are the Sofitel Legend and the Santa Maria Luxury Gold and Resort Hotel, part of the Autograph collection.
Tourism promotion strategy
Panama's tourism promotion strategy is based on three pillars: cultural heritage, green heritage and marine life. As a country where different nationalities and cultures converge, Panama has long been a meeting point for the world. Understanding the rich history of Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo, visiting Amerindian communities and discovering the biodiversity found in its national parks and coasts are at the heart of its tourism jobs.
Marine life is also a key element, with the Pacific and Caribbean coasts offering visitors plenty of opportunities to explore Panama's blue heritage through activities such as diving, snorkelling, marine conservation tours and whale watching, from the birth of calves to their departure at the age of six months.
In 2023, Panama welcomed 1.87 million visitors by air, for a total of 2.5 million tourists, including those on cruises. The average stay is currently between 8 and 11 nights.
Whether you are attracted by its lush national parks or its UNESCO sites, Panama is a destination that invites you into its history.
 Folkloric experience at Finca Pamel, La Villa de los Santos, Los Santos province, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
 Road trip to Portobelo, Colon province, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
 Kayak at mangrove Boca Chica, Gamez island, Gulf of Chiriqui, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
 A to Z gastronomy experience at Casco Antiguo, Panama City, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
 Eating Raspao at Causeway, Amador, Panama City, Panamá
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
 Humpback whale Fluke
Photo credit © Promtur Panamá / Visit Panamá
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