Surfing, expanding Paradise Panama

WITH MORE THAN 20 million surfers worldwide, Panama is looking at the sport as  a key ingredient in tourism development.

Among the advantages of this tourism generating sport is the fact that it does not require much infrastructure in order to start generating revenue, what really counts is the impact of the waves, which is a natural resource says CentralAmericaData.

Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association(ISA), says that they are looking for three basic elements when organizing events in a country: constant waves, a government that supports them and capable organizers.

In Venao beach in Panama, since 2011 $3.635 billion has been invested in hotels, boarding houses and beach bungalows and  the ISA has organized successful  international events, with a Panamanian competitor picking up the country’s first medal this year.Juan Carlos González won silver behind Sean Joubert of South Africa in the final of the World Surfing Games on Sunday May 12. 

"If we add to all this the fact that Panama has two oceans and an increase in tourism which has positioned our country in the top levels, there is nothing left to do but open our eyes and realize that tourism and surfing are two now inseparable allies," says Laestrella.com.pa.