Sometimes, to add value to the country’s tourism, it’s important to learn about other realities, cultures, and people from other parts of the world. These experiences can provide a deeper insight into Panama’s tourism landscape. This is the case of our Special Guest, a Swiss-Panamanian with an outstanding career in hospitality and tourism. Born in Panama to Swiss parents, her life began in the world of tennis, which lead her to obtain a scholarship at The Ohio State University, where she represented Panama in international tournaments and began her career in the hospitality industry.
Her fluency in several languages opened opportunities in the world of cruise ships, where she was able to travel around the world four times as a hospitality and entertainment specialist. In 2001, she joined Copa Airlines as Director of Onboard Service and later went to work for Bern Hotels & Resorts, where she has 19 years and is Corporate Director of Operations. Yvonne C. Löhrer is also currently the President of Skål International Panama, and in this edition, she sits down with The Visitor-El Visitante to talk about her contributions to the development of the tourism industry.
How has your professional career helped you lead a club like Skal International Panama?
“Actually, my connection with Skål dates back very early on, even before my professional career. My father, Oscar B. Löhrer, was one of the pioneers of the hotel industry in Panama, founder of La Siesta hotel and later General Manager of El Continental hotel. He joined Skål 63 years ago and became the club’s president in 1971. I grew up watching his example of dedication, so I could say I was born into the Skål spirit.
I officially joined the club in 2013, thanks to my father and my godmother, Sara Pardo. Little by little, I became more involved, first as a member, then as secretary, and this year I won the presidency of Skål International Panama. It has been a great challenge, but also a very enriching experience.
My professional career has definitely helped me lead the club. Having worked for so many years in hospitality and tourism has given me skills in organization, leadership, service, and teamwork, which I apply every day. Additionally, this year we focused on promoting the Skål Regional Congress that will take place in Panama from April 23 to May 3 of next year, which involved representing the country in Montevideo and at the World Congress in Cusco. It has been a learning process specially in the coordination, and, above all, in the strengthening of Panama’s reputation within the international Skål community”.
Skål International Panama will celebrate its 70th anniversary. How this organization has helped tourism and cultural exchange?
“Skål International Panama was founded in 1955, and this year we will proudly celebrate its 70th anniversary. We currently have 53 members representing virtually all sectors of Panama’s tourism: hotels, airlines, tour operators, tourists agencies, and other sectors of the tourism industry. This makes the club a space for great professional and human exchange”.
Skål has contributed enormously to Panamanian and international tourism by fostering friendship, business, and understanding among industry professionals. Through regional and global congresses, and through twinning with clubs in countries such as Spain, Italy, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States, we promote ongoing cultural and professional exchange that strengthens Panama’s image as a destination.
Every time we host foreign delegations, we organize activities, dinners, and tours, which directly benefit the country, as visitors also travel with their families and take the opportunity to explore beyond Panama City. All of this generates economic activity, international promotion, and, above all, a network of friendship that multiplies Panama’s tourism presence worldwide”.
The Regional Congress of Skål Clubs of Latin America will be held in Panama next year. How will impact tourism?
“Next year, Panama will host the Regional Congress of Skål Clubs of Latin America (CLACSKAL Panama 2026), a very important event that will bring together tourism professionals from across the region and other continents. We are currently in the planning and bidding stages, defining the hotels, venues, and activities with the organizing committee lead by Sara Pardo. Our goal is to create an experience that showcases the best of Panama.
The congress will serve as a great networking and tourism promotion platform for Panama, as in addition to Latin American countries—such as Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil—we expect delegations from Africa, Europe, and the United States. These types of conventions boost the local economy, generate hotel occupancy, and promote tours within the country, creating benefits to the entire tourism sector.
In previous editions, we’ve welcomed between 200 and 300 visitors, and we hope to match or exceed that number. Beyond the numbers, the greatest impact will be projecting Panama as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming destination to the international tourism community”.
What’s most important at Skal International?
“Well, for me, friendship is the most valuable thing within Skal. It’s what lasts over time and makes everything more fun. In addition, networking is essential because we support each other. Skal has the most important global network in tourism, and our motto says it all: “Making Business Among Friends.” We meet to build connections and facilitate business or collaboration.
Thanks to this philosophy, we have a very large and valuable database of all the clubs and members around the world, which allows us to directly contact any professional in the sector. We currently have around 12,500 members in 75 countries and around 294 clubs, so it’s a truly powerful network.”
Photos courtesy: Yvonne C. Löhrer – Skål International Panama