Music in Panama is alive in every street, town, and home throughout the country, creating world-class musical artists. Each artist is an ambassador of our culture and traditions, making this art a Panamanian cultural strength with the potential to become a major tourism product. For this reason, our Special Guest is a distinguished Panamanian musician, and conductor who attended the National Conservatory of Music of Fine Arts in Mexico and the Golden West College in California. A Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Roberto Delgado and his orchestra have worked with artists such as Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, and other great musicians. On this occasion, he grants The Visitor – El Visitante a time to talk about music, tourism, and how both can make Panama a great tourist destination.
You started in music at age 13 in Boquete, which indicates that music is a way of life in this town. How can we use this artistic resource to position this destination for its music and nature?
“Actually, I started in music as a child, but it was at age 13, when I played in my first band at school in David, that I understood how much the environment influences the way one experiences art. Growing up between Boquete and David taught me that music and nature can coexist perfectly. The climate, the landscape, and the tranquility make everything sound different. That same charm is an invaluable tourist resource because it’s possible to promote spaces where people can enjoy live music surrounded by beautiful nature, whether through small festivals, intimate concerts, cultural routes, etc.”
How can Panama use its music heritage to create experiences that attract people from all over the world, as well as major artists, helping to boost the country’s tourism economy?
“Panama has a tremendous and very diverse musical heritage. If we integrate it into the tourism offerings, for example, through well-produced festivals, music routes, and live cultural spaces, we can attract audiences and artists from all over the world. Music not only enriches the visitor experience but also stimulates the economy and projects the country as an authentic cultural destination. The key is for those in charge of organizing and promoting these kinds of events to start doing so”.
Las Vegas, New York, and recently Puerto Rico, host residencies for major artists, attracting thousands of tourists. What Panama needs to achieve something similar, and what do you propose?
“We need to strengthen and build specialized infrastructure, high-level production, and a clear strategy that connects culture and tourism. With investment, public-private partnerships, and a long-term vision, the country could become a hub for major artist residencies that boost the economy and project our identity to the world. Again…we need these ideas to be put into practice and get started”.
Based on your experience, what are the three places in Panama outside the capital city with the greatest potential for developing music and entertainment tourism… and why?
“Outside the city capital, places with good potential for music tourism would be: Boquete, for its climate, nature, and cultural traditions; Bocas del Toro, for its international appeal and vibrant atmosphere; and Azuero, for its musical identity and festivals. But all of this would only work with good land and air infrastructure that facilitates the arrival and movement of visitors and artists. There is plenty of talent and places with authentic charm. What’s lacking is the interest, on the part of both the government and the private sector, to truly develop what we have”.
Photos courtesy: Roberto Delgado