Panama receives the ICCA torch as host of the 2026 World Congress
Panama City was officially chosen to host the 65th ICCA World Congress, to be held from November 8-11, 2026, following the symbolic torch handover ceremony in Porto, Portugal
Panama took a decisive step in its positioning within the meetings tourism sector by receiving the ICCA torch, a traditional symbol that confirms the country as host of the 2026 World Congress. The handover took place in Porto, Portugal, at the close of the 2025 edition, where delegations from around the world participated in exchange sessions and planning for the future of the sector.
Representing Panama, Tourism Minister Gloria De León participated in the ceremony and thanked the ICCA for entrusting the country with hosting one of the most important events in the MICE industry. During her remarks, she highlighted Panama as a destination that combines modernity, biodiversity, culture, and world-class infrastructure. She also emphasized the country's commitment to sustainability, noting that it is one of the few in the world with carbon-negative certification, an increasingly valued attribute for organizing major global events.
The ICCA World Congress will take place from November 8-11, 2026, at the Panama Convention Center, a venue capable of hosting large delegations and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. More than 1,500 international professionals are expected to attend, including association leaders, destination managers, congress organizers, and innovation experts for the industry.
In addition to its direct impact on the meetings industry, the event will generate significant tourism visibility for Panama, boosting visitor arrivals and strengthening its image as a regional hub thanks to its air connectivity, strategic location, and integrated tourism offerings. The congress will also foster collaboration among public institutions, the private sector, and international organizations, promoting new business and cooperation opportunities.
With the arrival of the torch, Panama formally begins preparations for the congress, which will not only bring together leading representatives from the sector but will also showcase the country's capabilities as a destination for large-scale events. The 2026 edition will be a global platform to project Panama as a leader in the MICE industry in Latin America.
Source:
Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)