Letting a tourism secret out of the bag

“PANAMA’S promising travel sector is one of the best kept secrets of Central American tourism,” is a statement that may not go down well with the country’s tourism chief Salomon Shamah and his fellow cheer leaders in the tourism office.

It appears in a press release datelined “Philadelphia” announcing that Apple Leisure Group  subsidiary, AMResorts, has signed contracts for two properties: Dreams® Buenaventura Panama Resort & Spa– a new 450-room resort under development just outside of Panama City (It’s in Cocle), and a 35-room property in Cancun, Mexico (which is not a well-kept secret).

What follows will be  more to the liking of the government’s tourism gurus:
“Dreams Buenaventura Panama Resort & Spa is a milestone transaction that … exemplifies our mission to establish AMResorts’ hospitality excellence in new and highly desirable leisure markets such as Panama,
“The resort & spa is located in an exclusive community of luxury villas and high-end resorts minutes away from Rio Hato International Airport. The property offers stunning views of lush gardens, lagoons, a white sand beach and the 18-hole Nicklaus Design par-72 championship golf course. Buenaventura will be managed under AMResorts’ Dreams luxury family resort brand and is slated for completion in 2016.

Panama’s distinctive beauty and abundant natural wonders are just a few reasons why the country is an up-and-coming destination with North American travelers. Bordered by stunning beaches on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, eco-tourists can enjoy trips to nearby mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and vast national parks and reserves. Panama also has a thriving cultural and entertainment scene with theater, jazz and night clubs, casinos and upscale shopping.

“The first Frank Gehry-designed museum in Latin America, due to open near the mouth of the Panama Canal this year, is also expected to attract more visitors to the country.” So, maybe now, the secret’s out pf the bag.