The hotel industry is a fundamental ingredient for the development of tourist activity; its prominence makes it easier for tourists to have the experience they were looking for during their visit to a destination. That is why our special guest is a professional and hotel leader with 26 years of experience in important chains such as Marriott, Westin, Playa Bonita, Sheraton, Grand Panama Hotel and currently works as General Manager of W Panamá Hotel. Her leadership also takes on a new dimension since she was recently selected as President of the Panamanian Hotel Association (APATEL), which makes Yovana Segarra the ideal tourism professional to share exclusively with The Visitor – El Visitante her vision of tourism for 2025. and how the hotel sector will support to achieve the full development of this industry.
How can land and air connectivity in Panama position the country as a more attractive destination?
“Air and land connectivity in Panama plays a fundamental role in positioning the country as a more attractive tourist destination. Thanks to its strategic location and the consolidated air hub in the Tocumen terminal, Panama benefits from easy access from America, Europe and other regions. This direct flight connectivity opens doors to international markets, promoting business, conventions and leisure tourism.
Regarding land connectivity, improving road infrastructure, public transportation and tourism services are essential to strengthen the connection between Panama city and provinces, in addition to facilitating access to emerging destinations. An efficient transportation network reduces travel times and improves the tourist experience, encouraging exploration of new areas of the country.
Actions must focus on strengthening this connectivity, which will give good results in the mid and long term, thus benefiting the national economy. Sectors such as luxury tourism are experiencing growth in Panama, and airlines contribute a third of air connections, which directly generates the arrival of 150,000 tourists annually through the StopOver program.”
Why strategic planning and investment has been lacking over the years in tourism and how has affected the development and potential of Panama? How can we change this trend?
“The lack of strategic planning and investment in tourism over the years in Panama has been mainly due to the lack of continuity in public policies, the absence of a long-term vision and the inconsistency in investment. The changes frequent in administrations, added to the lack of incentives for private investment and bureaucracy, have limited progress in the creation of quality tourism infrastructure and the effective promotion of the destination.
As a result, the tourism sector has not reached its maximum potential, despite the great advantages that the country has, such as its strategic location and natural resources.
To change this trend, it is necessary to implement policies that promote a sustainable and diversified approach to tourism, with long-term plans and clear impact goals. Public-private collaboration must be encouraged to ensure investment in infrastructure and the international promotion of the destination. Furthermore, it is crucial that successful strategies are maintained regardless of changes in government. Strengthening the role of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and tourism unions is also key to ensuring efficient and effective planning.
With a coherent strategy and the commitment of all the actors involved, Panama has the potential to position itself as a competitive global tourist destination.”
Why is it positive for tourism associations to participate more in the development of strategies and decision-making of tourism in Panama?
“The active participation of tourism associations in the development of strategies and decision-making in tourism would have a very positive impact. The associations, are key actors in the sector, have a deep knowledge of the needs, challenges and market opportunities. Their inclusion in the decision-making process would allow for the creation of policies that are more aligned with the reality of the sector, favoring greater effectiveness in the implementation of initiatives.
In addition, by involving unions, public-private collaboration would be encouraged, which would guarantee better allocation of resources and greater investment in key areas such as infrastructure, promotion and sustainability. This collaboration would also promote the diversification of tourism, promoting new tourism products and facilitating adaptation to global trends.
Greater participation by unions would contribute to more coherent planning, a more effective promotion of the destination and, ultimately, a more competitive and resilient tourism sector, capable of better taking advantage of Panama’s potential.”
How the hotels association will work to help improve and create new experiences throughout the country that help attract more tourists?
“The hotels associations is actively working to improve and create new tourist experiences throughout the country, with the aim of attracting more tourists and strengthening the sector. One of the main initiatives is the diversification of the offer, incorporating new concepts of accommodation and services that adapt to different types of tourists, such as luxury tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism. Hotels are improving the quality of their services, investing in staff training and adopting sustainable practices to respond to the growing demands of. conscious travelers environment.
Additionally, the guild is promoting the creation of unique local experiences, including cultural, gastronomic and nature tours, so that tourists can discover and enjoy the rich diversity of Panama. They are also working on collaboration with other industries, such as gastronomy, transportation and entertainment, to offer more complete and attractive tourist packages.
The union is also focused on strengthening the promotion of the destination internationally, participating in fairs and tourist events, and improving the visibility of Panama as a destination that offers a variety of unforgettable experiences beyond the beaches, opening new possibilities for tourists who will experience something different.
These actions are helping to consolidate a more varied and attractive tourist offer, with the potential to increase the number of tourists and extend their stay in the country.”
