Panama Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in panama, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Travel and Tourism
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Panama’s strategic position as a bridge between North and South America has fostered significant air travel and tourism exchanges with the United States. 

Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Panama’s primary airport, serves as a crucial hub for international flights., The consistent growth in passenger traffic at PTY and the prominence of U.S. destinations underscore the robust and expanding air travel market between Panama and the United States. This trend highlights the importance of these routes for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, positioning Panama as a key connector in the Americas.

In 2024, PTY handled 19,250,384, a 8% increase over 2023. According to the director of the Civil Aeronautical Authority (AAC), in October 2024, his short-term plans included redesigning Panamanian airspace, which increased the availability of airspace from 35 flights per hour to 50.

In 2023, international departures from Panama totaled approximately 2.6 million passengers, with regional distribution as follows:

•    Latin America: 1.5 million passengers (57%)
•    North America: 788,500 passengers (30%)
•    Europe: 259,100 passengers (10%)

It’s important to note that Miami is among the top destinations from Panama, with 150,000 passengers recorded in 2023. Additionally, the Miami International Airport (MIA) serves as a significant gateway, with 866,771 passengers traveling between MIA and PTY in 2023.

Opportunities

The U.S. Commercial Service Panama office is organizing two events to promote the United States as a top destination among Panamanians. The first event will be a Movie Night to showcase Brand USA’s film Into Nature’s Wild, June 2025 And the second event is Discover America Forum Panama & Colombia 2025 in August, DMO’s, attractions, airlines, car rental platforms, hotel booking platforms, insurance companies, tourism search engines, cruise lines, and any other U.S. travel companies that want to showcase their offer to take part in this in-person event. This event will provide a unique opportunity for U.S. companies to reach key contacts in the travel industry in Panama City, Panama, and Bogota, Colombia, growing markets of travelers to the United States. The event is aimed at targeting more than 40 key local travel agencies, tour operators, travel wholesalers, and travel media in both countries.    

Web Resources

•    La Prensa Newspaper article about the transit in Tocumen International Airport 
•    La Prensa Newspaper article about the air space in Panama

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