Sports tourism leaves important spills in the Panamanian economy

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).

In Pedasì, according to the National Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR), hotel occupancy in Playa Venao was 100% and a direct economic impact of B/.250,000 in lodging alone, and more than B/.100,000 in domestic tourists. .
In addition to the hotels, the economic impact was felt in restaurants and inns that offer the typical gastronomy of the place, as well as in artisans and vendors.

The ATP and the Economic Demand and Reactivation Commission, in their desire to continue boosting the economy of the communities, also support the Festival of the Golden Frog, which will take place in El Valle de Antón until August 21, and the Festival of the Congo skirt, which starts this August 20.

Source: ATP