The Panama Travel Mart was held for the first time in the City of David, Chiriqui Province, from September 23 to 26, 2024. With more than 740 meetings held and more than $50 million in new business generated, the event brought together 48 of the industry's leading suppliers, representing more than 75 hotels, attractions, DMCs and tour operators. Organized by the National Chamber of Tourism of Panama (Camtur), the event featured a top-level production by TM Americas, under the direction of its president Víctor Manjarres, and the invaluable support of PROMTUR Panama (Visit Panama), Copa Airlines and the Sheraton Grand Panama Hotel.
This outstanding International Business Roundtable brought together Panama's leading tourism service providers with the most influential buyers in the Americas. During the event, exclusive familiarization days were held, providing the opportunity to discover first-hand the destinations and attractions that position Panama as a unique country, full of great tourism opportunities for America and the world.
The familiarization tours prior to the Business Roundtable were held this year in the Province of Chiriquí, highlighting three main groups, which had the opportunity to explore the Gulf of Chiriquí and witness the majesty of the whales, visit Boquete to taste the most expensive coffee in the world, and tour the impressive mountains of Tierras Altas. The three groups enjoyed the most outstanding and charming attractions of the region, showing why Panama is a tourist destination that has it all: culture, gastronomy, luxury, global connectivity and internationally renowned destinations.
This edition of the Panama Travel Mart far exceeded all expectations, managing to surprise both national and international guests by the wonders of the destination and the enormous possibilities for connection. The event brought together nearly 50 buyers from 11 countries, including Europe, North America, Central America and South America, as well as other important industry attendees. At this large-scale meeting full of tourism opportunities, the Panamanian product was proudly presented, highlighting its wide range and versatility. As mentioned by Mr. Ernesto Orillac, President of the Organizing Committee of Panama Travel Mart: “
The participation of international buyers is essential to open new business opportunities. Through them, Panama can expand its presence in global markets. We saw a great opportunity in moving the organizational structure to Chiriquí to highlight the beauty of this incredible region. Some buyers had already been here, while for others it was their first time, but in both cases we are happy to see that they return amazed by the natural wonders and the hospitality of the people, taking away pleasant surprises during their stay and closing multiple businesses for 2024 and 2025. ”
Likewise, Victor Manjarrés, President of TM Americas, underlined the relevance of the event and the potential it represents for the growth of the tourism sector in Panama. "We would especially like to thank the buyers who have traveled from various regions of the world to explore the opportunities offered by this wonderful country. Their presence is a sign of the confidence in the development of new alliances. We also extend our recognition to the media from the United States, France and Latin America, who have not only been able to appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of Panama, but also its enormous potential for future investments and business in the tourism sector."
We are convinced that the next edition of the Panama Travel Mart 2025 will exceed all expectations and will undoubtedly be another great success for tourism in Panama.
Source: TM Americas.