The Pedasi District has become one of the most tourist-oriented destinations in the country over the last 15 years. This is due to the work of many people whom with vision have made this region a place with a unique tourist offer in the country. For this reason, our special guest is the current President of the Pedasi Chamber of Tourism, a Panamanian businessman, although born in Colombia, he currently has Panamanian and Spanish nationality, who after studying in the United States and working in Colombia for a few years, decided to return with his family to his homeland Panama and invest in tourism in Los Santos region. On this occasion, Daniel Moreinis sits down with The Visitor, El Visitante to talk about his vision as tourism leader of Pedasi.
What led you to move to Pedasi and what did you see as different from the rest of the country?
“In the year 2005-2006 we visited Los Santos and upon arriving in Pedasi I fell in love with the area at first sight. I was impressed that it has a great resemblance to the Guanacaste area in Costa Rica and at that time we thought that it would surely have potential for tourism development. We started investing in the area in 2006, which gave me the excuse to travel to this beautiful, magical and welcoming place. Since that year I consider Pedasi as my second home.”
What prompted you to get involved in tourism in the Pedasi District?
“I consider that Pedasi has become the first tourist destination in Panama due to so many unique variables. It is very beautiful and safe, its people are hard-working and charming, with a high degree of education. It has an enormous diversity of fauna and flora. I always say that in every curve of the 54 km of coast you find various jewels that dazzle your eyes and heart. It offers a great diversity of beaches, world-class fishing, surfing, whale watching, turtles, culture, small towns, gastronomy and wellness, among many other unique qualities”.
How do you currently see tourism in the District and what is your vision for the future?
“I consider that there is enormous tourism potential, especially since Panama currently needs a good tourism industry to strengthen its economy. In my opinion, we began to focus on the tourism industry since 2006, which makes it a fairly new industry and of course, there is a learning curve. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but if we are smart, we can learn from our neighbors. A robust tourism industry will strengthen the area and bring wealth and opportunity to the region and the country”.
How is it possible to create a network of tourist experiences throughout the District and connect it with the rest of Los Santos?
“I have had the opportunity and blessing to be able to travel extensively around the world and in my opinion, Pedasi offers an incredible variety of tourism products and experiences in a fairly accessible area of 54 km2.
If we talk about the area of Pedasi and Cañas, from Purio to Cañas, there is an enormous variety and quality of different products that can be offered to Panamanians and foreigners. Each place has its market and niche, since the variety of products and experiences are very varied. I consider that to be the strength of Pedasi and that is why there are many reasons for it to become the first tourist destination in Panama. From Pedasi I am at your disposal with my doors open to anyone with the desire to work for the development of this region of Los Santos”.
