After the confinement due to Covid-19, the national economy began the recovery process with many challenges ahead. The path is still uncertain, however something is clear, the entire country must walk on the same direction to return to pre-Pandemic levels. Tourism is the cornerstone for this recovery but requires that the other sectors also be on the rise. To have clearer lights about this path, The Visitor exposed several important issues to Julio De La Lastra, President of the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), his experience in economics and administration, can offer a clearer guidance to face the biggest economic crisis in our history.
Economic Activation for the Holidays
The economic activation for the holidays is the product of a tradition that occurs every year in Panama and around the world. It is a cultural and religious theme in our country that revolves around dates of great importance such as Mother’s Day, Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Julio De la Lastra comments that human beings, as a social entity, have the need to share with their loved ones, whether they are family or friends, the season for these meetings and gift exchanges take place as result in an increase in commercial activity.
He goes on to say that one can even reflect on the fact that 2020 and its farewell celebration will be psychologically and emotionally important due to the effects left by the Covid-19 Pandemic and the natural disasters that various regions of the country suffered. The economics expert thinks that although the social activities of these festivals are affected there will be an important commercial activity that represents an opportunity for merchants and the informal economy to generate income. As long as the stores remain open and without mobility restrictions that could prevent normal sales.
Forecast of Tourism After Reopening
Julio De La Lastra motivates us to be realistic by saying that tourism will struggle to reactivate and the coming of foreign travelers depends on the reopening of other countries and how much mobility their Visitors can have. Likewise, the decision to visit those countries that have had adequate management during the crisis by potential tourists will be important. The reactivation of tourism in general, hotels, restaurants, attraction sites, etc, will be a direct consequence of all of the above and of the ability of the airlines to reactivate.
Local Tourism, the Great Opportunity
Knowing in advance that foreign tourists will arrive gradually, means that domestic tourism is of an important relevance. For Julio De La Lastra, the fact that a large percentage of the population does not really know the interior of their country represents a tremendous opportunity. It is required that all provinces reduce the contagion of the virus, and that the benefit is two-way, not only that the capital city moves to the interior, but that the Interiorano also comes to the capital for a walk.
MICE, the Industry that Will Promote Tourism
For the President of Conep, the first thing that can be reactivated and attract thousands of tourists in a short time is convention and meeting tourism. The objective is to capitalize on the promotion of Panama in this segment to bring in an interesting number of companies and executives.
It is estimated that a visitor to this tourism invests an average of $ 609.00 per day. For this reason, for Julio de La Lastra it is vital that the country send notes of confidence to the entire world so that each visitor feels safe coming to Panama. Likewise, regional airports must be modernized to improve connectivity once the Visitor has arrived in our country for a convention, so he or she can reach a destination quickly. The Amador Convention Center and the Panama Cruise Port will be vital to the success of this industry.
For Julio De La Lastra, MICE tourism will be the first to be reactivated, added to other industries such as services, and transportation (including the Panama Canal), will be of great help to achieve the complete recovery of our country.
