Chiriqui is a province rich in natural assets, human development, and immense economic potential. It is a region working hard to become an international logistics hub—a goal that requires constant , as well as focused effort. For this reason, our special guest is the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Tourism of Chiriqui (CAMCHI) for the 2026–2028 term . She is a business leader promoting an agenda centered on competitiveness and the development of commerce, agribusiness, tourism, and logistics. In an exclusive interview, Mavis Polo Cheva shares her vision of the economic and tourism development of Chiriqui province exclusively with The Visitor – El Visitante.
What does tourism mean for the economy of Chiriqui? How much does it contribute to the region’s social and cultural development?
“Tourism is one of our region’s major economic engines because it benefits a vast chain of economic activities. When a visitor arrives in Chiriqui, they do more than just stay in a hotel room; they dine at restaurants, use transportation, buy handicrafts, shop at local businesses, hire tour guides, and enjoy our agricultural and culinary products. It is an inexhaustible source of direct and indirect employment for thousands of families.
Beyond the economy, tourism holds incalculable social and cultural value: it encourages us to value, preserve, and take pride in our historical heritage, traditions, and natural resources.
At the Chiriqui Chamber of Commerce, we maintain that tourism is the most profitable investment for improving the community’s quality of life”.
Is it possible to create a tourism circuit connecting Boquete, Tierras Altas, and David?
“It is a fact that when people think of Chiriqui, the first name that comes to mind is Boquete. While this represents a major achievement in terms of branding, our province is far more than just a single destination.
Chiriqui is a land of contrasts: Tierras Altas, with its agricultural and culinary prowess; Rio Sereno, boasting immense potential for cross-border and nature tourism; Boca Chica and the Gulf of Chiriqui, renowned for their beaches and sport fishing; Las Lajas, home to one of the longest and most beautiful stretches of coastline on Panama’s Pacific side; Alanje, with its priceless historical and religious heritage; and Gualaca and Hornito, serving as gateways to La Amistad International Park and adventure tourism.
The real challenge lies not in promoting each destination in isolation, but in integrating them. Today’s traveler seeks meaningful experiences, not merely a geographical location. Therefore, we must design integrated tourism circuits that encourage visitors to explore the province in a single trip, leveraging the complementary strengths of each district”.
Puerto Armuelles is well-suited for logistics and tourism. What does it need?
“Puerto Armuelles possesses immense natural and historical wealth. It has beaches, a banana-industry heritage, proximity to Costa Rica, and enormous potential for nautical and nature-based tourism. To develop that potential, we need three fundamental elements:
First, modern infrastructure. Second, public and private investment. And third, comprehensive planning that combines tourism, logistics, urban development, and environmental protection. It is not enough to simply build infrastructure; we must create a sustainable tourism destination”.
What are the three tourism products with the greatest international potential?
“First: Nature and adventure tourism. Few regions combine mountains, beaches, trails, national parks, and biodiversity the way Chiriqui does.
Second: Gastronomy and coffee tourism. Our specialty coffees are world-renowned and can serve as the centerpiece for high-value experiences.
Third: Meetings, congress, and business tourism. An increasing number of organizations are seeking attractive venues for corporate events. Here, the city of David plays a pivotal role thanks to its hotel infrastructure and connectivity”.
How can logistics development boost tourism?
“In reality, both sectors reinforce each other in a virtuous circle. Robust logistics infrastructure translates into modern roads, efficient airports, competitive ports, and superior connectivity—factors that, together, facilitate and stimulate the arrival of visitors”. Photos courtesy: Mavis Polo Cheva – Camara de Comercio de Chiriquí.”
