New health and hygiene protocols in the establishments and the commitment to attract national tourists in an environment where short trips will be preferred, are some of the trends predicted in the new "normality" that will come after the quarantine period.
Given the quarantines decreed by most governments worldwide, it is anticipated that the habits of tourists will change dramatically in the short and medium term, as the crisis of covid-19 will leave consequences among consumers.
The Tourism Promotion Fund has the aim of increasing by 100 thousand the number of visitors that annually arrive in the country, a rise that would be determined by the development of advertising campaigns in five areas.
In 2018, the entry of tourists through the main ports of entry to the country was 2,480,190, according to official figures. Therefore, the arrival of 100,000 more tourists would be equivalent to a 5% annual increase.
Given the slowdown in activity, which is reflected in the loss of 25,000 jobs in the last two years, tourism entrepreneurs in Panama insist on continuing with the international promotion campaign.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (Cciap), denounced the fact that the tourism industry is suffering a slowdown, evident in the loss of about 25,000 jobs in the last two years, with direct impact on the management of different services and products of the sector which, in some cases, have had to halt their activities and in others to reduce them severely, as well as the closing down of several companies dedicated to various related areas.
On May 25 and 26, a meeting of tourism companies from Central America will take place in Panama City, in which buyers from all over the world will take part.
The International Tourism Expo 2018 will be held at the ATLAPA Convention Center, in Panama City.
The meeting, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, will involve more than 160 international issuing wholesalers from Europe, North America and Latin America, with the aim of seeking service providers and tourism products.
After the year 2017 provided the sector with income of $840 million, 31% more than in 2016, the union has carried out a new review and plans to generate up to $900 million this year.
A decree reform to promote local tourism, and a bill that would grant tax exemptions for investments in certain tourist sites, are some of the proposals to boost tourism activity in Guatemala.
In addition to the decree that moves holidays to a Monday or Friday in order to favor destinations which are further away by creating long weekends, and the bill that would give tax benefits to investments in tourist sites, authorities at the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism also intend to modify the institution's Organic Law.
The international and local campaign that the tourism authorities has started running includes, among other things, advertising spots on board United Airlines flights.
Representatives of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (Intur) reported that the market segments that will be promoted are low-density sun, beach, adventure or active tourism, nature, culture and identity tourism, rural community tourism, agrotourism and ecotourism and gastronomy. It also includes business tourism, wellness, cruises and nautical tourism.
This year Costa Rica will focus on consolidating itself as a global destination, of a potential market of approximately 9 million tourists.
Global promotion to position Costa Rica as a destination will begin in 2018. According to data from the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT), the average tourist who visits the country spends 18 nights and spends $3,200, and in addition, prefers small lodgings, local food and crafts.
On November 9th, more than 70 companies linked to the tourism sector will take part in an exhibition of products and services in San José.
From a press release by Travel Show Expo:
San José, Costa Rica, September 24, 2017.A group of 75 companies linked to the tourism market will be promoted in the local market thanks to an event that will showcase the wide range of offers for lovers of beach, mountain or rural community projects.
Through an agreement with the online travel agency, the Guatemalan Institute will be running a tourism promotion plan for the second half of the year.
From a statement issued by the INGUAT:
Guatemala July 28, 2017.As part of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute's (INUAT) priority marketing activities for the current year, authorities from the tourism governing body presented their promotion plan for the second half of the year in conjunction with the online travel agency Expedia.
At the National Tourism Convention, which will be held from June 28 to 29, the main theme will be the importance of training in the sector.
From a statement issued by the Tourism Authority of Panama:
The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) and the Chamber of Tourism of Panama (CAMTUR), will be holding the second National Tourism Convention, which this year will have as its central discussion topic: "the importance of Training in the tourism sector ".
Entrepreneurs in the sector are looking to develop this segment of the tourist market, highlighting the country's characteristics that are ideal for offering activities such as trekking and visits to volcanoes.
The objective should be to focus on the North American and European markets, where most tourists are looking for activities such as biking, hiking, rafting, visits to biological reserves and volcanoes, among other things.
Private companies and the municipality of Panama City are developing a plan to offer tourist activities in the capital to passengers who are in transit through Tocumen airport.
While tourism and hotel operators are still looking for alternatives to improve the sector's sluggish figures, the municipality of Panama intends to develop a plan that encourages passengerswho are waiting for connections at Tocumen airport to go out and visit some tourist attractions in the city. Routes related to religious tourism, others focused on the history of Panamanian athletes who are famous worldwide and thematic shows that show how life was during different periods of Panamanian history, are some of the ideas that have been suggested so far.
Local businessmen have proposed the temporary closure, for 30 days in May, or between September and October, and in the meantime the logistics needed are being evaluated, in order to generate the least possible impact on tourism on the island.
The plan by the Civil Aviation Authority is to improve airport infrastructure on Isla Colón, for which the terminal will be need to be closed for a period of at least 30 days.The remodeling project includes changing the asphalt on the runway.
From June 9th to 10th local tourism businesses will be meeting with 50 wholesalers from the United States, Europe and South America, to explore business opportunities.
The International Tourism Fair will be held at the Convention Center Olof Palme, on June 9 and 10.
Lucy Valenti, president of Canatur, told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that"...