Panama Tourism Growth Must Reach the Provinces and Not Remain Only in the Capital: APEDE
Tourists on the Sleeping Indian Trail pictured below. Tourism in El Valle de Antón, Coclé Province, Republic of Panama
Tourism promotion in Panama must shift from the city to the interior to promote the flow of visitors to the provinces and generate employment in other areas of the country, according to Giulia De Sanctis, president of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives. “Panama needs to generate employment, and one of the fastest, most sustainable, and most impactful ways to achieve this is through inland tourism. Tourism doesn’t just boost hotels; it permeates the entire economy because it drives consumption, activates value chains, strengthens commerce, and generates opportunities in multiple sectors simultaneously,” the president stated in the Apede column, La Voz de Apede.
APEDE stands for the Asociación Panameña de Ejecutivos de Empresa (Panamanian Association of Business Executives). It is one of the most prominent and influential non-profit business and professional organizations in Panama. Founded on March 17, 1958, APEDE connects business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs nationwide. The organization advocates for the free enterprise system, sustainable economic growth, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Panama.
Key Activities and Events
- CADE (Conferencia Anual de Ejecutivos de Empresa): APEDE organizes this highly influential annual conference, which brings together national leaders, economists, and experts to debate major challenges facing Panama.
- Policy and Economic Advocacy: The association regularly releases executive economic reports, provides policy recommendations to the government, and pushes for infrastructure and labor reforms.
- Regional Chapters: While headquartered in Panama City, APEDE has established regional chapters in provinces across the country (such as Colón, Chiriquí, and Coclé) to address localized economic development.
- Financial Education: APEDE partners with Panamanian institutions, like the Superintendency of Banks, to promote financial literacy to the general public.
For more information on their initiatives, memberships, or upcoming forums, you can visit the official APEDE website.
