By: Michelle Dominguez

During the first eight months of this year, 1,249,160 visitors have entered into Panama, according to the Statics Department of the Tourism Authority of Panama (APT, Spanish Acronym).This number has increased by 11.9% from 2010, when 1,115,867 visitors were reported, which demonstrates that the goal of 2,000,000 visitors by the end of 2011 is attainable. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY

Although the Tourism Authority of Panama only tracks the number of people who enter into Panama, the Panamanian economy is the one that benefits the most. From January through August of 2011, tourists have spent $1,243.6 million in foreign currency. The amount of foreign currency will double by the end of the year due to cruise line passengers and daily visitors and tourists.  

A privileged geographic location, an exquisite natural beauty, a rich culture, and an avant-garde capital connected with the rest of the world make Panama a vogue touristic destination as well as the new jewel in Latin America. 

Over 750,000 tourists have visited Panama during the first five months of this year. This statistic represents an eight percent increase in the flow of tourists, compared to the same time period in 2010. Among these tourists, more than 500,000 arrived from distinct countries of the Americas. Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Mexico stand out among the markets with the most volume and growth within the region. 

At the International Tourism Fair of the Americas, Panama is present as an exhibitor, manifesting that this event is a magnificent opportunity to promote, before Mexican travelers, members of the tourist industry, and Mexican and international journalists, its endless touristic qualities, which have turned it into one of the tourist destinations that is continuously growing in Latin America.