Tourism in Pedasí is Struggling.

It has been a month since the earthquake in Panama and the coastal town of Pedasi (in the Azuero Penninsula) is struggling with the absence of tourists, leaving many workers with little income. Even though the town is actively recovering from the physical damages of the earthquake, tourism is a vital industry that needs to be revived.  Boat and tour operators in El Arenal and Isla Iguana are feeling the economic downturn of the difficult situation due to the lack of tourists. They came up with a plan where boat operators agreed to take turns with trips and distribute the work opportunities among everyone.  To further help stimulate the economy, local operators have petitioned for a six-month suspension of entrance fees to the popular snorkeling destination, Isla Iguana. Visitors currently staying in Playa Venao report that major hotels are functional, though a few standalone amenities (like specific hotel pools) are still undergoing maintenance.

Prior to the earthquake,the high income expectationsunfortunately were not met during whale watching season from July to October. In fact, during October they noticed a significant reduction of whales which also affected weekend business. 

The consequences of the earthquake were far-reaching, triggering a cascading effect across the entire region.  The workers are asking for more tourism promotion for Isla Iguana, road repairs, and concrete measures to help them sustain their businesses.  The municipality and local businesses have launched a unified message to travelers confirming that Pedasí is open and safe for tourists.