The development of Panamanian tourism requires fair and inclusive actions, as well as conscious leaders who promote them. Compelling reasons why our Special Guest in this edition is a civic leader with a social commitment and a lawyer by profession with a focus on gender equity and strengthening democracy. She is currently President of the Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and a partner at De Sanctis Law Firm, where she consults on land use plans. Giulia De Sanctis shares an exclusive interview with The Visitor – El Visitante, where she shares her vision of tourism and how it can be shaped toward a sustainable development.
You are a daughter of immigrants and know the importance that people from other parts of the world have had in Panama. What does Panama have that makes it different and unique from other countries?
“Panama is not only unique for its territorial diversity, but above all for its cultural diversity, precisely because of the confluence of so many immigrants, marked by its geographical location. It has historically been a crossroads, where people from all over the world converge, which has created a very distinct identity of its own, of which we are proud. Its strategic position as a bridge between the Americas and its interoceanic canal give us a global importance. But beyond that, it is the human warmth, the resilience of its people, the vibrant mix of cultures, and its rich biodiversity that make Panama a distinct country. Here, the coexistence of indigenous, Afro-descendant, European, and Asian traditions has created a diverse society, with an open, joyful, and hospitable character that is especially attractive to those who visit us.”
To develop tourism, the economy needs to grow and reach everyone. How can we achieve this momentum and attain real development in the tourism industry?
“Tourism development is achieved through planning, inclusion, and sustainability. We believe that tourism should be promoted as an economic driver, but also in conjunction with local and community development. This implies investment in infrastructure, professional training in communities, access to financing for tourism entrepreneurs, and public policies that encourage collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors. Furthermore, we must decentralize tourism: not everything should be concentrated in the capital city or in already developed areas. It is key to empower communities so that they are protagonists of tourism and directly benefit from it.”
To develop tourism in Panama, it’s important to have territorial planning in the different regions. What advice can you offer to ensure this can be implemented in tourism-oriented destinations?
“Land use planning must be understood as an essential tool for sustainable development. The Land Use Plans that the previous administration managed to approve were those for Bocas del Toro, Taboga, and Sona, but due to the intervention of vested interests by some groups, it was not approved in Boquete, Tierras Altas, and Pedasi. This is a shame, because the absence of these plans leads to disorder and real estate speculation, detrimental to the community. In this sense, I believe the authorities should promote unapproved plans, which have been developed and are available, and to do so, generate a discussion between local governments, environmental authorities, the tourism sector, and communities, in order to analyze them and reach an agreement that benefits all. It is essential that land use plans have participarion, integration, and binding, with a long-term vision, and, of course, it requires political will with a strategic vision. If we don’t plan today, tomorrow we will face conflicts over land use, environmental degradation, and loss of tourist appeal.
How can tourism become an accelerator of opportunity and wealth for thousands of people seeking employment?
“Tourism is one of the industries with the greatest capacity to generate employment, both directly and indirectly, especially for young people, women, and rural communities. For it to truly be an accelerator of opportunities, it is crucial to invest in technical and vocational education in hospitality, gastronomy, languages, and tourism management. In this regard, the Specialized Higher Technical Institute (ITSE) is doing an excellent work with the support and coordination of the private sector.
We must promote community-based tourism, which allows people to generate income without having to migrate to cities. Furthermore, tourism value chains—crafts, agriculture, transportation, and services—must be strengthened so that more sectors can be integrated into tourism development. Well-managed tourism is a sustainable source of income, dignity, and economic growth.”
Which area of Panama (excluding the capital) do you see as having enormous potential to become a world-class tourist destination?
“The province of Veraguas, and particularly the Gulf of Montijo and Santa Catalina, have enormous potential. It offers a unique combination of nature, culture, adventure, and marine biodiversity. Access to Coiba National Park, a World Natural Heritage Site, is a gem yet to be discovered on a large scale. With investment in sustainable infrastructure, appropriate promotion, and community participation, Veraguas could position itself as a world-class ecotourism and marine tourism destination. Another destination with great potential is the Guna Yala region, whose community-based self-management model offers a valuable example of sustainable tourism that is respectful of indigenous cultures. Chiriquí Province, which already has significant tourism development, can deepen its tourist appeal with the right investment, including Boquete, Tierras Altas, Boca Chica, and all its beaches.”
