Thanks to an investment of more than $200 million, Panama now has a modern convention centre, the Panama Convention Center (PCC), located in Amador on the banks of the Panama Canal.
The new facility will replace the ATLAPA Convention Centre and consists of a single building with a common central area of 12,000 m2 and two main entrances: one overlooking the canal and the other overlooking the city. From this central area, the distribution is made to the other areas, which are as follows: banqueting area of more than 4,000 m2, exhibition hall of more than 15,000 m2 and groups of meeting rooms arranged around the main hall. It has a maximum capacity of 23,906 people. It also has 1,715 parking spaces and a technical building for cold production and emergency power. In its entirety, the main building has 62,000 m2 of construction and over 33,000 m2 of rental space.
The imposing structure, strategically located on the banks of the canal, on the Amador road, stands out for its modern design and is equipped with the latest technology.
The Director General of the ATP pointed out that “the conventions, exhibitions and meetings segment is probably the one that can contribute most quickly to economic recovery, thanks to the foreign exchange earnings from abroad. That is why, on May 26, a cabinet meeting was held at the PCC, as part of a strategy by President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen to highlight the importance of the PCC for economic reactivation.”
The president of Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Jorge García Icaza, said the PCC is an important contribution to the tourism industry that will have a significant impact on tourism activity in the capital and the interior of the country. “Panama probably has the best potential in the region to become the hub for conventions and events in Latin America, due to its air connectivity, and it also offers a safe climate for business travellers and international tourists.”
For her part, the president of the Panamanian Association of Professionals in Conventions, Exhibitions and Related Activities (APPCE), Kenelma Mendoza, said that the opening of the PCC will position the country as an international destination, capable of attracting much larger conventions, which will bring economic benefits throughout the country.
“Panama has all the structures and is one of the best connected countries in the region. With the PCC, we will be able to participate in big events,” she said, explaining that once the event is over, participants do post-tours, that is, they get to know the country or return later with their families.
Source: ANPanama
