Panama is actively working to integrate its rich culture and natural heritage into a tourism model for a sustainable future, with the aim to benefit both local communities and the environment.
A key aspect of this strategy involves empowering local communities through tourism initiatives, an approach which seeks to ensure that tourism development preserves cultural traditions and biodiversity while also providing opportunities for residents.
ATP, the Tourism Authority of Panama and MiCultura, the Ministry of Culture signed a Framework Agreement for cooperation in Tourism and Culture focuses to promote sustainable cultural tourism, preserve heritage and strengthen Panamanian communities.
The agreement based on articulate efforts seeks to develop and promote cultural activities in tourist destinations that will be promoted at national and international events with the objective to enrich the tourist offer supported by the cultural richness Panama boasts.
A technical commission and strategic plans will guide the implementation of the agreement and the participation of the territories will be fundamental wth culture that will be positioned as an engine of development and employment.
The plan establishes technical and administrative coordination mechanism to implement joint programs and projects and active social participation will be encouraged. Communities will play a key role in this process to improve the appeal of tourist destinations and this will ensure a positive and sustainable impact on the Panamanian territories.
By prioritizing community involvement, cultural preservation, and environmental protection, Panama is working to establish a tourism model that is both economically viable and socially responsible.
The agreement includes technical assistance and training for municipalities that will enhance local cultural management and will be able to optimize their resources to highlight their heritage.
Support will be given to the improvement of the urban image in tourist areas that reflects the cultural identity of the country, actions that will benefit both visitors and residents.
These efforts will align with the uipdate of the ATP Tourism Master Plan that will ensure a coherent and effective strategy with cultural tourism as a pillar of national development.
The General Addministrator of ATP, Gloria De León Zubieta, highlighted the importance of connecting with the Panamanian identity stating that the country is a living history that is felt in its streets and festivals and the union of culture and tourism creates transformative experiences that make the country proud.
The Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, stressed that the agreement marks a new model of collaboration. Joint projects will be promoted to strengthen the cultural offer and the benefits will reach the communities directly.
With this agreement, Panama reaffirms its commitment to tourism that celebrates its identity, enhancing communities and projects their cultural soul to the country committed to a sustainable and authentic model providing Panama a promising future.
