Panama is projected to be one of the top destinations of 2026

Panama continues to strengthen its position on the international tourism stage after being recognized by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as one of the top 25 places to visit, ranking tenth in its travel guide. This distinction highlights the country's natural wealth, its cultural identity, and the development of a tourism model focused on sustainability and inclusion.

Panama's tourism offerings are characterized by a balance between tradition and modernity, integrating urban experiences, historical routes, and relatively unexplored natural environments. This diversity allows for the creation of products that combine heritage, nature, and contemporary life within short distances, facilitating efficient itineraries and comprehensive experiences.

Within this strategy, the Panama Stopover program stands out, promoted by Copa Airlines in conjunction with the Tourism Promotion Fund (PROMTUR) and the Panama Tourism Authority. This initiative allows for stopovers of between one and six nights in the country at no additional cost beyond the airfare, even if the final destination is in another city. Created in 2019, the program has made a sustained contribution to the growth of international tourism, with more than 160,000 visitors registered during the last year and projections exceeding 185,000 tourists by the end of 2025.

Among emerging destinations, the city of David, capital of the province of Chiriquí, is positioning itself as a strategic hub in western Panama. As the country's third largest city, it serves as a gateway to a region characterized by mountainous landscapes, volcanoes, and remarkable biodiversity. From there, one can access Boquete, internationally renowned for its Geisha coffee production, and Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak, from where, under favorable weather conditions, it is possible to simultaneously view the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

David has accompanied this growth with the strengthening of its tourism infrastructure, greater air connectivity and a cultural agenda linked to agricultural fairs, craft markets and a gastronomy based on local mountain products.

Panama City remains a major hub for national tourism, blending history and modernity. The Panama Canal continues to be its most iconic landmark, while the Old Quarter and Panama Viejo offer tours that combine colonial architecture, cultural spaces, and contemporary culinary experiences. Near the capital are destinations such as the San Blas archipelago, managed by the Guna indigenous community, as well as El Valle de Antón and La Pintada, where nature and artisanal traditions define the experience.

Air connectivity plays a central role in the country's tourism development. Copa Airlines operates daily flights from various cities in the region to the Hub of the Americas® in Panama, facilitating access to the continent's network of destinations. The airline complements this connectivity with Business Class services on all its flights, including the Dreams experience on select aircraft, and with its ConnectMiles loyalty program, integrated into the Star Alliance global network, which connects more than 1,300 destinations in 193 countries.

With a diverse offering, a strategic location and constantly expanding connectivity, Panama is consolidating itself as a destination prepared to respond to international tourism trends towards 2026.