Panama, a key destination for business tourism in Latin America, is launching a ground-breaking initiative: offering free access to certain convention centers for international events.
Supported by thePanama Tourism Authority (ATP) and the Tourism Promotion Fund (PROMTUR), this measure aims to boost the country’s attractiveness by stimulating the hotel sector and the local economy. The principle is simple: the more hotel nights an event generates, the more benefits it can enjoy, including free use of the infrastructures.
Tailor-made solutions for event organizers
To qualify for free access to convention centers, the event must generate at least 1,500 hotel nights. However, benefits vary according to the total number of nights and space required. Each request is subject to a personalized analysis, and a form is available for advice tailored to the specific needs of organizers.
The offer, valid from February to December 2025, is aimed at all types of events: conventions, seminars, trade shows, weddings, incentives, etc. The only condition is that the space must be available. The package includes only the use of the facilities, set-up and dismantling, and clean-up at the end of the event.
What’s more, if the 1,500-night threshold is not reached, other benefits can be offered to organizers, guaranteeing maximum flexibility.
Modern infrastructure for major events
Panama has three main convention centers, designed to meet the demands of international events:
- Panama Convention Center
Located on the coast of the Panama Canal, this center is one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the region. It can accommodate up to 23,000 visitors and features an exhibition hall that can be divided into three separate areas. Its banqueting area, the largest in the country, can accommodate 2,000 guests in dinner format or 4,000 in auditorium configuration. It also offers 1,700 parking spaces.
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- ATLAPA Convention Center
Located in the heart of Panama City, just 30 minutes from Tocumen International Airport, the ATLAPA Convention Center offers 25 flexible meeting rooms. Its state-of-the-art Anayansi Theatre can seat 2,806 spectators, while the La Huaca Theatre has 500 seats.
- AZUERO Convention Center
Located in Chitré, in the province of Herrera, this complex boasts modular indoor and outdoor spaces, including a 783-seat amphitheater, an exhibition hall and several conference rooms.
“Panama is ready to welcome the world and become the epicenter of international events. With this new initiative, we are not only opening the doors of our convention centers, but also offering an integral experience that includes gastronomy, culture and a country rich in history. This will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, consolidating the tourism sector as one of the most important in the country. “said Gloria De León Zubieta, Panamanian Minister of Tourism.
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Panama, a leading destination for business tourism
In addition to its modern infrastructure, Panama’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage makes it an attractive destination for event tourism.
In 2024, for the third year running, the country was named ”Best Tourism Destination” in Latin and South America at the Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Its strategic location and direct links to 83 cities worldwide make it a prime location for the MICE segment.
With this initiative, Panama is asserting its ambition to become a major player in business tourism in the Americas, offering organizers an ideal setting in which to combine business travel and discovery.
Photos: Visit Panama
