No More Hostels in Panama

Incentives will be discontinued for the installation of hostels in the city of Panama, which have proliferated in areas classified as residential.

Monday, February 27, 2012

In Panama there are now 180 hostels, 61 of them in Panama City. While luxury hotels do not consider them competition, tourism officials want to discourage the creation of this type of small scale accommodation, which has emerged even in areas considered ‘exclusive’.

"The minister of Tourism, Solomon Shamah, confirmed that "there will not be any more incentives for the hostel industry in Panama City", reported Panamaamerica.com.pa. While Shamah acknowledged the benefits of this type of business, he said that there are now too many in the capital city.

The cost differences are significant. A hostel charges around $15 for one night, while more upscale hotels charge $100.

Nationwide there are 180 hostels, of which 61 are in Panama City, 45 in Chiriqui, 22 in Bocas del Toro, 14 in Cocle, 14 in Los Santos, 12 in Colon, 9 in Veraguas, and the rest in Darien and Herrera, according to data provided by the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP).

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