Strong economic growth in Brazil and appreciation of its currency against the U.S. dollar has made Brazilians the most attractive tourists in Latin America.

Panama has benefited from this, and in recent months the number of tourists from Brazil entering the country has increased significantly.

However, most of these come for business, so the Panamanian government has proposed that the country be promoted more as a destination for shopping and pleasure.

An article in Prensa.com states: "the central theme of this promotion will be what Panama offers in the way of shopping, which is superior to that offered by other countries in the region.

Solomon Shamah, administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority (PTA), said that it is no good offering Brazilian tourists beaches or forests, because they are the leaders in this market. ‘Brazilians like to buy clothes, liquor and electronics, and that is what we are advertising in Panama’, he said."

Source: Prensa.com

More on this topic

Costa Rica Wants to Attract European Tourists

May 2013

On 13 May, Costa Rican businessmen will meet at a business forum in which they will study strategies to position Costa Rica as a destination for the European market.

From a press release by the National Chamber of Tourism of Costa Rica (CANATUR):

The European region represents one of the main markets for attracting tourists to Costa Rica, which, according to figures from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), received 284,996 visitors from Europe, which means about 12% of total reported income in 2012.

Panama Advertising Contract Cuts Out Intermediaries

October 2011

The Panamanian Tourism Authority has decided to contract advertising spots directly in order to promote the country internationally.

From next April, when the contract with the agency BB & M expires, the tourist agency will directly handle the $6 million advertising budget to be spent advertising spots for international promotion campaigns.

Panama Increases Tourism Promotion in the E.U.

June 2011

The Panamanian Tourism Authority will increase the promotion of tourism in the old continent.

To reach the greatest audience in the process of promoting tourist attractions in Europe, the Panamanian Tourism Authority, has hired six public relations firms in different European countries, which will disseminate information through tourist operators and agencies.

Panamanian Tourism Negotiates Promotion with Iberia

August 2010

The country's tourism authority and the Spanish airline are in discussions for a $4 million shared publicity agreement.

The contract, which could be signed this week, will promote the country in Europe as a tourist destination and consolidate the direct flights operated by the carrier to Panama.