Iván Eskildsen: "Panama Fits Right for the MICE Sector"

Exclusive interview with Iván Eskildsen, Minister of Tourism of Panama, in the framework of WTM London 2021.

By Verónica de Santiago

Panama was the only Central American nation that decided to participate both in person and virtually in the recently concluded edition of WTM London. Caribbean News Digital sat down with Panama's Minister of Tourism, Iván Eskildsen, about the reasons behind this decision, as well as other elements of interest regarding the recovery of the tourism sector in the country.

In this edition of WTM London 2021, Panama has decided to participate in hybrid format (physical and virtual), being the only Central American country that has participated with a physical stand in London. What were the reasons for this decision? 

We consider Panama's participation in WTM London 2021 to be timely, as the United Kingdom is a market of opportunity and the event itself is a key meeting point for travel agents and tour operators from all over the world.  Being the only Central American country with a physical stand in London gives us a competitive advantage to promote our natural and cultural attractions first hand. 

How would you rate the Panama Travel Mart, organized by the National Chamber of Tourism of Panama and held on September 29? 

The Panama Travel Mart had very positive results for economic reactivation. According to a report issued by the National Chamber of Tourism of Panama (CAMTUR), Panama Travel Mart, which was held within the framework of the fifth National Tourism Convention (CONATUR), at the beginning of last October, left an estimated US$30 million in business, with different suppliers including more than eight charter operations, already confirmed from Colombia, with more than 1,200 passengers with a projection in 2022 of 4,000 passengers.

In its first edition, the Panama Travel Mart had 430 scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers of tourism products, which were 100% fulfilled during the two-day round of negotiations.

Panama plans to hold four other fairs, approved by the National Government as part of the economic reactivation: Flowers and Coffee Fair; La Chorrera International Fair; San José de David International Fair, and the Azuero International Fair. What is the scope of these fairs and how much can they contribute to the recovery of the tourism sector?

An estimated impact of B/. 154,785,000 that will boost the economy of these regions. The first four activities approved, for the moment, as part of the economic reactivation are: Flower and Coffee Fair, in Boquete, from January 13 to 23; La Chorrera International Fair, from January 26 to February 6; San José de David International Fair, from March 10 to 20; and the Azuero International Fair, from April 21 to May 1.

These activities seek to support merchants, projecting economic benefits in the order of B/. 154,785,000, in these regions of the country.

Can we say that Panama is relying heavily on the MICE sector to boost the recovery of tourism? 

It is an important line within the industry to reactivate the economy, a convention tourist has an average daily expenditure of $609 vs. the leisure tourist who spends $350.

Panama is the ideal destination for the MICE product because of its maritime and air connectivity, climate stability, the capital offers a varied hotel stock of 20,000 rooms; you can choose whether to stay among skyscrapers or surrounded by nature, in the middle of the city.

In fact, our recently inaugurated Panama Convention Center is located on the banks of the Panama Canal, surrounded by a biodiverse and exuberant tropical nature; it is a modern structure, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with a capacity for 25 thousand people.

Can you give us an update on the health security protocols in force in Panama for the entry of international tourism?

To enter Panama visitors must have their complete vaccination schedule and use masks, there are countries still considered high risk, in that case the person must comply with a quarantine of 3 days and take a swab at your expense, unless they are only in connection.

Currently we offer AstraZeneca vaccines for tourists totally free of charge, the only requirements are: to be over 18 years of age and to have a minimum stay of 2 nights in a hotel duly registered with the Panama Tourism Authority.

What is Panama City doing to recover from the impact of the pandemic?

This year 2021, both in Panama City and in the rest of the country, a gradual reopening was carried out as the vaccination process and the decrease in the number of infections progressed. 

We have 70% of the population vaccinated, almost 6 million doses applied, the third dose has started to be given to risk groups and a shipment has already arrived and we are currently negotiating the purchase of 1.5 million pediatric doses of the vaccine against covid-19 to immunize children between 5 and 11 years of age, which we expect to start applying in the first quarter of 2022.