Tourism can create 40,000 jobs, but it needs help

Creating 40,000 jobs is not an impossible mission for the tourism industry in Panama, but it requires the commitment of governments, Ovidio Díaz, the president of Panama, stressed on Tuesday. National Tourist Chamber (Camtur).

To walk this path, Díaz considers it crucial to establish state policies that do not change every five years.

“We have the assets to position Panama as one of the best destinations in the region, but without a doubt we need the support of the state because it is impossible otherwise,” he commented.

In order to start improving and turning tourism into a successful economic branch, the Chamber is organizing a tourism panel for next April 3.

The event will have eight blocks and will address topics such as organic law ATPstrengthening of PromTur, connectivity, development of national tourist routes, public infrastructure and education.

Díaz specified that there must be certainty that the next president will will give everything the industry needs for its growth.

“We believe that the most important thing in the development of the Panamanian tourism industry is for governments to give it the attention it requires,” he explained.

Panamanian tourism continues to recover. The manager reminded that when we talk about figures above 50 percent hotel occupancy, that is not enough. He emphasized that you have to see how the neighbors are to know how Panama stands at the regional level.

In this sense, Díaz emphasized that we should strive to achieve an average occupancy of 70 to 80%.

“We feel a bit lucky because thanks to the cruises we have the flow, but it is not what the industry requires to generate more economic benefit,” he noted.

After the discussion, Camtur will appoint a committee to continue obligations that arise and will provide periodic progress reports.

***With information from Víctor Arosemena.