Panama will be promoted as a Surf Destination

Photography by PanamaSurfPhotos.Org

It’s one of those practices that generates a non-traditional tourism, and so far is not well developed in the country. But surfing in Panama can begin to sound more in the coming years.

That is the objective, at least of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), who wants to make this country an international surfing destination. The administrator of the ATP, Salomon Shamah, only had to witness the world competition of this discipline held in Costa Rica in August to be convinced of the effect of surfing in attracting tourists.

“The activity not only generates a large international awareness, it also leads many people to the site,” he said.

“A surfer is no longer the same as 20 years ago. Today they are quality tourists, that can bring wealth to the country and takes care of ecology, “he added.

To promote Panama as a surfing destination, the ATP will attempt to bring to the country next year the top five surfers in the world and organized travel journalists.

In addition, Copa Airlines has launched a promotion for surfers to fly to Panama from some destinations in the U.S., Brazil, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico and be able to take two free boards.

The ultimate goal of this campaign is hosting a world championship, an idea raised Shamah Fernando Aguerre, president of the International Surfing Association, which could come in 2012.

“It’s the first time that Panama shows interest for surf,” said Bruno Sanchez, creator of the web page surfeapanama.com, who said that places like Venao Beach, Santa Catalina and Bocas del Toro, have world class waves and are positioned to host an international competition at a large scale. What we need these places would be increased hotel capacity and improved infrastructure.

According to the Federation of Surf of Costa Rica, the last world championship brought 70 thousand people to the country, who left $ 2.5 million to the local economy.

For more information about Panama travel, tourism, and locations contact Panama Travel Group today.

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