A Leading Kosher Tourism Destination Gains Global Momentum

Panama Strengthens Its Position as a Leading Kosher Tourism Destination

Panama continues to expand its specialized tourism offering by strengthening kosher tourism, a fast-growing international segment that finds in the country a solid, authentic, and fully certified value proposition.

Through strategic initiatives and community-driven experiences, Panama is positioning itself as a leading kosher-friendly destination in Latin America, offering trust, quality, and cultural authenticity to kosher travelers.

Panama Kosher Fest: A Cultural and Culinary Experience

As part of this strategy, Panama Kosher Fest has emerged as one of the country’s flagship promotional events targeting the kosher community, seamlessly integrating gastronomy, culture, and high-value experiences.

The event took place at the Renaissance Hotel in Panama City during Yeshiva Week on January 21, welcoming more than 800 attendees and 150 families, primarily from North America. The gathering was designed to celebrate kosher heritage, flavors, and community life in an immersive and family-friendly environment.

A Program Designed for All Audiences

The event’s programming featured activities for all age groups. During the afternoon, attendees explored a Kosher Market with more than 30 local and international vendors, participated in cultural experiences, and enjoyed age-specific spaces including children’s areas, teen zones, art exhibitions, Geisha coffee tastings, and professional networking activities.

A community Challah Bake workshop, focused on female participants, also formed part of the daytime experience, reinforcing cultural traditions and community engagement.

The evening concluded with a festive program featuring a kosher buffet dinner, live music, dancing, and a comedy performance by Yechiel Jacobs, highlighting the celebratory and inclusive spirit of the event.

Panama Destination Kosher: A Structured and Certified Offering

Panama Kosher Fest was supported by the Panama Destination Kosher initiative, led by PROMTUR Panama in collaboration with national religious authorities and Dr. Salomón Watemberg. The program aims to position Panama as the leading kosher destination in Latin America, offering a structured, reliable, and internationally aligned tourism product.

Panama City is home to the largest Jewish community in the region and features a growing number of certified kosher restaurants, providing a strong competitive advantage for attracting kosher travelers. This is further supported by robust tourism infrastructure, strategic air connectivity, and an active local community that enhances the visitor experience.

Training, Certification, and Tourism Development

As part of the program, a specialized training and certification scheme is being developed for hotels and tourism operators. This initiative focuses on the implementation of Kosher Korner spaces in hotels, compliance with kashrut standards, and the proper handling of kosher travelers’ needs.

Hotels and operators that complete the process will be recognized as certified kosher-friendly providers, expanding Panama’s specialized tourism offering and strengthening traveler confidence.

A Destination Ready for the Global Kosher Traveler

Through initiatives such as Panama Kosher Fest and the rollout of the Panama Destination Kosher program, Panama continues to evolve as a prepared, inclusive, and competitive destination for the international kosher traveler—creating new opportunities for the tourism industry while diversifying the country’s strategic markets.