Our Ocean conference generated tourism dollars

The world conference ‘Our Ocean 2023’, in addition to seeking the conservation and sustainability of marine ecosystems, March 2 – 3 generated at least 3.5 million tourism dollars. Connection”, was attended by 71 delegations from different countries: 1,300 people who required hotels, transportation, and food, for three and a half days, which include the entry and exit of the traveler and the days of the congress, with an estimated cost of $650 per day, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, some businessmen believe that congress participants could reach $2,400 in expenses.

Congresses are important due to the economic trickle-down that occurs in the value agents that are involved in the development of this type of event (organizers, tour operators, decorators, furniture, food) to move it forward, explained Kenelma Mendoza, president of the Panamanian Association of Congresses and Events (Apce). “Each participant who comes to an event of this type needs a hotel, an airline… It is money that comes from outside directly to the Panamanian economy,” he added.

In Panama, a hotel day for a convention tourist could cost between $180 to $250, depending on the category.