Sports tourism makes an important
contribution to the Panamanian economy
The country hosts international
events that make their contribution to boost the tourism industry
Source: TravelLatam
The “Gran Fondo” Cycling Challenge,
which was held in the tourist region of Boquete, with the participation of more
than 500 national and international cyclists, left an economic spill of $1.5
million; while the Pan American Surfing, in Pedasì, represented about $2
million.
The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)
supported both international meetings as part of the actions carried out by the
Economic Demand and Reactivation Commission, made up of private companies and
the National Government, which is focused on quickly boosting the economy of
the communities and industry businesses.
The administrator of the ATP, Iván
Eskidsen, assured that the entity will continue supporting events that promote
the arrival of visitors to tourist centers and that contribute to the economic
reactivation and generation of jobs such as the National Festival of the Manito
Ocueño, which this weekend, According to the Board of Trustees, it brought
together 25,000 people and generated some $300,000.
In Boquete, the activity, which
mixed cycling with the culture and traditions of the destination, received some
1,418 among competitors, family members and coaches, which caused hotel
occupancy above 80%, a lot of commercial movement and outdoor recreation
activities. such as: hiking, bird watching, extreme sports, among others.
In addition to living the sporting
experience, visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy Boquete's pleasant
climate and its exquisite cuisine, including the Geisha coffee, which recently
broke another record in international tasting.
The cyclists from Costa Rica, the
United States, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Panama
toured the spectacular streets of Boquete, crossing rivers, waterfalls, virgin
nature and as they advanced to the finish line, Panama showed the tourist
resource of this region in the international media, which broadcast the
competition live.
Jorge Tovar, director of the
Chiriquí Chamber of Tourism, pointed out that hotel occupancy in the district
reached more than 80%. "The economic impact was significant, taking into
account that some visitors and companions remained in the destination until
Monday, for the day off."
The businessman stressed that it is
important to continue capitalizing on events that contribute to reactivating
the economy, and added that from August 24 to 25, a round of negotiations will
be held in Chiriquí with wholesale buyers from Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, the
United States, among others. During this meeting there will be a presentation
of the eight priority destinations of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan
(PMTS).