A music personality that divides his life between Panama and Miami. He is a musician, singer, songwriter, music producer and with his brother created the duo The Gaitan Brothers, achieving musical success in Latin America. Besides working on the productions of great artists such as Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin, their songs managed to have success with the public and the industry, winning multiple international awards and two Latin Grammys. Nowadays, Alberto Gaitan is also dedicated to the production of concerts with his company GAITANBROS, bringing great artists like Shakira and Elton John to Panama. His work in the development of the MICE segment (meetings, conferences and events tourism), offers a forecast of how this important sector will begin to behave in favor of the national economy.
GAITANBROS is dedicated to organizing events. How do you see the actions that are being taken to boost the MICE tourism segment?
“Since the beginning with our parents, the company has provided opportunities. Not only work, but also to fulfill dreams at a musical and cultural level. That should be the government’s approach, because without dreams nothing happens. To position ourselves better, a development policy must be created with a sustainable plan of not less than 10 years. This is with the purpose to have artists and event organizers wanting to come to Panama, because their business will grow by doing it in our country”.
How will the opening of the new Amador Convention Center impact the country economically and socially?
“The new convention center has great facilities. In addition to cultural programs, the local public will be motivated to accept – increasingly – their own traditions and customs reflected in the events. You have to start with Panamanians, they have to like first what is presented in their country, and then see how to deal with international tourism. You have to bet more on domestic tourism, with an exportable level of production”.
What kind of productions can be brought to our country with this new infrastructure?
“Some of the biggest concerts have already been brought, by Magic Dreams, Showpro and Gaitanbros. The dilemma was really having the right space. With this new center and a plan of activities focused mainly on Panamanians, it will be easier to achieve bringing foreign tourists to festivals among others events. You have to focus on culture, create new jobs through tax incentives, and a change in the law for this industry, so that opportunities increase”.
What benefits will bring the interest of award-winning music producer Emilio Estefan to invest in Amador Convention Center?
“Emilio Estefan is one of the most influential Latinos of all time. We have a professional life of 21 years with Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Their more than 40 years of experience as organizers of mass events, consultants of presidents like Obama, and country projects, makes them invaluable in the industry. Emilio loves Panama and knows it well. With a good investment plan internationally, and betting on Panama as the best country in the region to organize shows, many dreams can be achieved”.
How will these advances in MICE tourism help position the country brand?
“The country brand is being studied and something good is coming to our country at a worldwide level. What do we really need? Be 100% prepared. Study, train and focus on providing service. There will be success when we knock on the door. As producers and artists we have many ideas, and they will only be well developed if we come together as a country with one focus: Panama and its people ”.