As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen tourism and support Panama’s economic recovery, Copa Airlines, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama present the relaunch of the Panama Stopover Program under the concept that ‘Panama has everything and very close’, with an improved product offering. The promotion of the Panama destination expands its reach to include new target markets such as the United States, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, with the goal of attracting 300 thousand tourists by 2026.
“With this new stage of the Panama Stopover, we reaffirm our commitment to turning Panama into an even more attractive destination for international travelers. The Hub of the Americas® in Tocumen continues to be the main connectivity point in the region, and together with PROMTUR Panama, we are expanding the tourism promotion of our country to other key markets. With this campaign, we seek to have more visitors discover the cultural and natural wealth of Panama, thus contributing to the economic development of the country,” said Marco Ocando, senior director of marketing, communications and frequent flyer program at Copa Airlines.
The Panama Stopover program allows passengers transiting through the Hub of the Americas® in Panama, on Copa Airlines flights, to enjoy two destinations for the price of one. Travelers can extend their stay in Panama at no additional cost to their airfare, taking advantage of their connection to explore the country’s many attractions. This initiative has been designed to encourage tourism, using the country’s strategic position as the main connection center in the region.
“This new alliance between our flag airline and PROMTUR will ensure that even more people take advantage of the Panama Stopover program, increasing the number of visitors and generating more income for the country. Together, we have designed a strategy focused on the entire tourism sector benefiting, through the optimization of the microsite where those who wish to participate have the opportunity to publish their offers for accommodation, gastronomy and tourist attractions,” highlighted Jennifer Janson, executive director of marketing of PROMTUR Panama.
Furthermore, Janson mentioned that “the integration of Panamanian companies into the Panama Stopover program makes the entire value chain participate, establishing a direct relationship with the tourist who uses the free stopover program in our country. Thus, everyone will be able to benefit from a program designed to attract tourists and generate jobs.”
Since its launch in 2019 until September of this year, the Panama Stopover program has brought almost 500,000 tourists to the country. By the end of 2024, it is expected that 150,000 tourists will have visited Panama taking advantage of this program, which would represent an estimated 8% of the total international visitors arriving in the country this year.
With a joint investment, between Copa Airlines and PROMTUR, of 1.5 million dollars, the ‘Panama has everything and very close’ campaign seeks to position the country as a diverse and accessible destination in the region, taking advantage of the short distances and the ease of explore its main attractions and diversity of experiences. The advertising campaign highlights everything from the iconic Panama Canal and the city’s vibrant dining and shopping offerings, to its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, as well as its nightlife, inviting travelers to discover everything Panama has to offer. to offer.
“This effort in conjunction with the private sector seeks to ensure that tourists take advantage of their time in Panama, promoting a more complete tourist experience for those who decide to make a stopover in our country, without a doubt an essential tool that strengthens the tourism value chain and generates in turn a significant economic impact for the country,” highlighted ATP deputy administrator Jorge Correa.
Among the novelties presented by the Panama Stopover program, new alliances with hotels, restaurants and local attractions stand out, allowing tourists to enjoy special discounts and personalized experiences. In addition, the website provides a renewed digital experience by giving visitors interactive tools to easily plan their stay in Panama.
Travelers interested in the Panama Stopover program can make their reservations through the website www.copa.com and Panama Stopover: www.stopoverinpanama.com.
