Panama Black Weekend September 13 to 15 – Friday Saturday Sunday

I always look forward to Black Week or Weekend in Panama for the big ticket items of the year. The TV’s, Refrigerators, Stoves, Cell Phones, and how about that Windows 11 Computer. More than 3,500 businesses will participate in the Panama Black Weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting September 13 to 15.  Erick Zamora, president of the Panamanian Association of Shopping Centers, said they are seeking to attract shopping tourism. 14 shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, travel agencies and airlines such as Copa Airlines and Avianca are joining in the weekend of discounts in Panama with promotions on goods and services ranging from 20% to 70%.

Erick Zamora said “It is a good opportunity for everyone, both for consumers and merchants, and we are very optimistic about the impact it will have on sales and the economy of the country and the commercial sector. Panama is a favorite shopping destination,” he said. He explained that discounts on technology and white goods will be up to 50% in some establishments.  The activity will be supported by the security of the National Police and the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco). The National Police Commissioner, Edgardo Núñez, said that more than 200 members of that security force will be deployed and will form three security rings in the shopping centers and shopping areas and will be operating with members of the Land Transit and Transportation Authority to guarantee the flow of vehicles in the areas.

Acodeco administrator Ramón Abadi Balid recalled that it is necessary for the offers to be properly identified and to have the start and end dates of these discounts. Nadkyi Duque, representing the National Chamber of Tourism Camtur, said that there is great potential for shopping tourism with an offer in Panama of more than one and a half million square meters of commercial establishments. “Trade represents 17% of the country’s economy and if we join forces with tourism we can triple the number of visitors coming to Panama,” Duque said. He pointed out that shopping tourism also generates an economic spillover in the hotel sector, restaurants, transportation and other services.  Duque indicated that this year, visits from tourist groups from Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and other countries that will take advantage of the discount season in Panama have been confirmed.