Chiriqui Province stands out for its fertile land for agriculture, the creative and independent spirit of its people, and its high tourism development, there are several reasons why it is perceived by many people as a different province. For this reason, Rodrigo Marciacq, is the current President of the Patronage of the Flower and Coffee Fair, borned in Chiriqui, has been linked to food production, especially the marketing of horticulture and tourism development throughout his life, offers The Visitor-El Visitor an exclusive vision of the history, current situation and future of Chiriqui.
Why Chiriqui’s history and its geographical position make this province different from the others?
“Of the two land borders that Panama has, the one that borders Costa Rica is the only one that can be crossed by land. For the most part it shares this border line with the province of Chiriqui. This aspect collaborates in a great way to have a commercial, tourist, agricultural exchange, etc…, between both countries. Which helps to promote a very important economic benefit between both regions.”
Which cultural elements represents the character of the people in Chiriqui?
“Our province has been attracted to people from many countries, mainly European, in which has partially collaborated with the cultural development of our region. Hard work, high standards in quality, giving our best effort when working towards a proposed goal, all these make our province a place where we can always expect good results. Collectively makes Chiriqui Province and its inhabitants more demanding in acquired commitments.”
Why is Chiriqui different economically from the rest of Panama?
“In Chiriqui we have different economic activities, among our main economic activities are tourism, livestock, agriculture, coffee, etc., which together promote a general economic well-being in our region. When this aspect is united, with the desire to always give the best effort when carrying out the activities, then it is perceived that the economic level of the Chiriqui region is different.”
What makes Chiriqui a place where tourism is breathed everywhere?
“Chiriqui is a different and blessed place, a place where multiple and very interesting tourist activities abound. In Chiriqui we have the Baru Volcano, the highest point in our country and from where you can see views of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the same time. Chiriqui, due to its geographical location, is a region very rich in diversity and microclimates, this aspect is extremely interesting for nationals and foreigners who visit us during the year. Our cool temperatures in the highlands, the traditional and our very own Bajareque (light sprinkle), our beautiful islands and extensive beaches, mean that different tourist activities can be carried out in a short time in the province. Lots of diversity.”
How the Flower and Coffee Fair has contributed to the promotion of tourism in Chiriqui and how can be replicated in other parts of Panama?
“The Flower and Coffee Fair is undoubtedly one of the main tourist activities in our region. The level of commitment that the boards have had in the last 15 years has been very important. In its two main activities, the Flower Fair in January and the Orchid Expo in April, the Fair grounds invite, receive and serve more than 250,000 visitors a year. This activity is indisputably one of the main irrigators of economic benefits to our region.
Each town or region has its benefits and attractions, in Chiriqui we know how to take advantage of these benefits, our weather, suitable for different types of crops, including the multiple variety of flowers that are presented every year in the different events that take place. In our area, they make the Fair the main place of visit for national and foreign tourists. Mainly, each region of our country must identify its benefits and attractions and, taking these aspects into account, carry out activities that are attractive for everyone.”
Many say that the people of Chiriqui are the most difficult clients in the country, is it true? How to reach the heart of the chiricano customer?
“I consider that the people in Chiriqui are demaning first to themselves, there is a lot of difference between difficult and demanding. There is nothing wrong with always demanding better quality in everything. The heart of the Chiricano client is reached with quality and good intentions.
