Panama Tourism Grows 17.4% in 2026, Projecting an Economic Impact of More Than $159 Million

Panama's tourism industry continues to gain momentum in 2026, with the country welcoming 1,755,998 international visitors during the first half of the year. According to the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), this represents a 17.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reinforcing Panama's position as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Latin America.

The positive results reflect the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its global tourism appeal through targeted marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and the expansion of its business events sector.

Business Tourism Continues to Drive Economic Growth

The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment remains one of Panama's strongest economic drivers.

Between January and June 2026, Panama hosted 74 international events, attracting more than 113,900 participants. These events generated nearly 47,900 hotel room nights and contributed an estimated $91.5 million to the national economy.

Looking ahead, the Panama Tourism Authority expects even stronger results by the end of 2026, with 110 confirmed international events, approximately 149,600 visitors, and an estimated economic impact exceeding $159 million.

International Partnerships Expand Panama's Global Reach

ATP Administrator Gloria De León Zubieta highlighted the agency's microtargeting marketing strategy, designed to reach travelers who are most likely to choose Panama as their next destination.

During the first six months of 2026, the authority strengthened its international presence through partnerships with leading travel brands, including Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Condor, Copa Airlines, WestJet, Despegar, eDreams, Expedia, Hotelbeds, and Royal Caribbean.

According to ATP, these collaborations generated more than 150,000 additional visitors and produced an estimated economic impact exceeding $375 million.

Hotel Occupancy and Stopover Program Continue to Rise

Panama's hotel industry also experienced significant growth during the first half of the year. Hotel occupancy reached 67.6%, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The Panama Stopover program welcomed more than 123,000 travelers, reflecting a 38% increase, while the Tocumen International Airport Panama Lounge hosted over 70,000 visitors, encouraging transit passengers to extend their stay and explore the country's diverse attractions.

Tourism Strengthens Employment and Economic Development

Industry leaders emphasized that the tourism boom is benefiting businesses across the country, including hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, tour operators, and local communities.

Nadkyi Duque, President of the Panama National Chamber of Tourism, noted that Panama's diverse tourism offerings—including shopping tourism, coffee tourism, and the meetings and conventions industry—continue to differentiate the country from competing destinations.

Meanwhile, Víctor Concepción, President of the Panamanian Hotel Association, stressed that maintaining this growth will require continued investment in tourism promotion, hotel occupancy, and visitor experience.

With these encouraging figures, Panama is working toward its goal of welcoming 4 million international visitors by the end of 2026, further positioning tourism as a key pillar of the country's economic growth, employment generation, and sustainable development.