In August 2019, Ovidio Diaz took office as president of the Board of Directors of the Pedasi Chamber of Tourism (CTP), where he announced projects in the public sector such as adapting the infrastructure of the Pedasi Plaza, creating walkways and a bike trail that would connect Pedasi with nearby beaches, among others. With the arrival of the pandemic this year, tourism had to close its doors for a long time with little hope of being included among the first opening blocks for economic reactivation on the way to a new normal. Pedasi at Los Santos Province, proved to be a safe destination during the Coronavirus pandemic, being one of the places with the fewest cases of COVID-19 infections in Panama. This thanks to the responsible participation of local authorities and residents mainly. This positive note has generated greater value for Pedasi as a tourist destinations, said Ovidio Diaz, our Special Guest of this edition.
What efforts, alliances and changes have you made in quarantine to resume tourism activity in the new normal?
“First of all, contain the spread of the virus, learn about the new stage that is coming and how we should adapt. We have made strategic alliances with the local government, to create a calendar of events for 2021, with national and international active tourism organizations. We have worked together with Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the development of the destination. The biggest change has been adapting our businesses and services towards biosecurity, a fundamental factor for a tourist to decide visiting a destination”.
How have you prepared with all the biosecurity requirements, to be a Covid Free destination?
“We have a protocol that tells us what we must have at the entrance of the hotels, such as a temperature meter, the carpet with shoe polish, and keep the appropriate distances. We are not yet clear on the issue of how many hotel rooms should be available, and how many people will be able to occupy a room. As for restaurants, the social distancing and disinfection of the premises has been kept. We know that in the case of the boats that go to Isla Iguana, which have a capacity to carry seven passengers, only half of their capacity should be occupied ”.
What are the goals of the Pedasi Chamber of Tourism for next year and what can you tell us about the 2021 Calendar of Events?
“We have already organized ourselves to develop a calendar of activities for next year. This begins by creating a clear concept of each event that will be held on a monthly basis, assigning a commissioner of the Chamber who will work with the Municipality, and with a third party who provides the representation and knowledge of the expert entity in each event. For example, the Panamanian Association of Triathlon, rowing, bird watching, and our largest event, the International Tuna Fair”.
What support do they need from the relevant authorities?
“The main thing is to avoid bureaucracy as much as possible. We need the Tourism Promotion Fund (PROMTUR) to establish a connectivity secretariat to bring more airlines to Panama. In addition to the Tocumen Airport, enable the Rio Hato, David, Pedasi and Bocas del Toro airports to receive these airlines. As for Panama Tourism Authoirty, have them develop a project contract to manage air and land connectivity service, since it requires state subsidies “.
If Carnivals are not organized in 2021, how you will attract local and international tourists to visit during those holidays?
“The absence of carnivals would create a big whole, but we have much more to offer. Let’s start with the beaches and all the activities that are enjoyed in the sea such as fishing. We have miles and miles of beaches to fish. During those days it is one of the best times to go “surfing” at Playa Venao. At the ecotourism level, you can go to places like Isla Caña or Playa Oria. When going back to the hotel, you go out to enjoy the town’s Central Plaza to interact more with the pedasieños people”.
