The Coronavirus pandemic, in addition to affecting businesses and communities that make a living from tourism, has significantly changed our priorities and the way we envision the future of tourism in Panama. At the Panamanian Foundation for Sustainable Tourism (APTSO), we see this crisis as an opportunity to redesign and redirect all efforts towards more supportive tourism, with long-term objectives and benefits for all.
In many countries it has been shown that community tourism has the potential to provide various benefits in the form of empowerment, employment, inclusion, economic development and conservation of natural areas; what should lead us in Panama to work to regenerate our destinies and strengthen our communities for the use of their resources in the future.
Community Development in Process
For its part, the National Government through the Tourism Authority of Panama with the new Sustainable Tourism Master Plan and in balance with the objectives of the Colmena Plan, recognizes the various assets that the country has, as well as the connection that exists between communities (local identity and indigenous peoples) and the importance of protecting the natural and cultural heritage; while promoting multisectoral programs that guarantee the development of our communities.
While there have been various initiatives to date that provide the foundation to work on a strategy that builds resilient communities in Panama, we have not achieved a cohesive effort to align community tourism with poverty alleviation and conservation. Strong communities that not only adapt to the current situation generated by COVID-19, but to a future characterized by the uncertainties of climate, water, food security, and economic stability.
Ten Communities Will Begin Pilot Plan
It is time for a strategic change and co-evolve. That is why APTSO in collaboration with PLANETERRA, a world leading organization in the development of community tourism companies, works on the design and implementation of PACT (Panamanian Alliance of Community Tourism), a community tourism program in Panama with the support of NATURA FOUNDATION and other strategic allies that will financially support this important project. We will work closely with at least 10 communities to diversify their economies, preserve their authenticity, increase food security, conserve natural resources, and increase the well-being of their residents.
With this pilot program, we will prepare participating communities in all aspects of the tourism value chain, decreasing their dependence on central government and providing rural tourism entrepreneurs and farmers with the skills and capacities they need to strengthen their businesses in community tourism, diversify and increase their resilience (physical, cultural, economic, social, environmental).
Community Tourism will be the Trend
These actions can be achieved through the design and management of each community’s own resources in a sustainable way, increasing their resistance and prominence in local and regional governance spaces, developing quality standards and reducing the digital gap between rural products and national and international tourism markets.
Community tourism will be a post Covid-19 international trend, as it promotes adventures and authentic experiences in corridors of protected areas. It is a collaborative tourism that transforms the visitor and residents, generates multicultural relationships, increases understanding through differences and promotes the love for our national and regional identity (gastronomy, folklore, cultural manifestations, crafts, etc.). Let’s work together for the future of tourism in Panama!
APTSO = Love x Panama + Solidarity Work = Opportunities for Everyone
annie@aptso.org
