Public-private tourism fund for Panama

A PUBLIC-PRIVATE tourism promotion fund similar to a scheme introduced in Canada some 30 years ago and already in  place in at least three Latin American countries  has been approved by Panama’s National  Assembly.

It will consist of contributions from the government, municipal entities and private companies.

Tourism Authority manager  Gustavo Him, said  that the fund is an investment that will provide a return and that countries such as Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic have been successful because they already have this resource to promote their tourist destinations worldwide.

“The step we have taken will allow all of our actions to be more expeditious, for tourism to grow and permeate the entire sector and for private enterprise, which remains the engine of tourism, to have a stronger presence in all decisions taken,” he said.