Copa Airlines, together with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama, has renewed the Panama Stopover program, aiming to position Panama as a key destination in the region. This relaunch, under the slogan «Panama has everything and it’s all close by,» aims to attract 300,000 tourists per year by 2026, consolidating the country as one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America. The campaign will target international markets such as the United States, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil.
Panama Stopover allows passengers transiting through the Hub of the Americas at Tocumen Airport to extend their stay in Panama without any additional cost to their airfare. Travelers can explore a wide range of the country’s attractions, from its vibrant cultural and natural offerings to its iconic engineering marvel, the Panama Canal. Marco Ocando, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications, and Frequent Flyer Programs at Copa Airlines, stated, «With this new phase of the Panama Stopover, we reaffirm our commitment to making Panama an even more attractive destination for international travelers. The Hub of the Americas® at Tocumen remains the main connectivity point in the region.»
Copa Airlines operates an average of around 2,400 weekly flights to its network of 78 destinations in the Americas.
Since its launch in 2019, the program has brought nearly 500,000 tourists to Panama as of September this year. It is expected that by the end of 2024, over 150,000 visitors will have taken advantage of the program, representing about 8% of the total international tourists arriving in the country. The goal is to continue increasing the number of tourists, supported by a joint investment of 1.5 million dollars between Copa Airlines and PROMTUR.
The campaign strategy not only focuses on attracting tourists but also on integrating local businesses into the initiative. Jennifer Janson, Executive Director of Marketing at PROMTUR Panama, highlighted that «the integration of Panamanian businesses into the Panama Stopover program ensures that the entire value chain participates.» This collaboration will allow tourists to enjoy partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and local attractions, which will offer special discounts and personalized experiences. The program also includes a revamped website featuring interactive tools to easily plan a stay in Panama: www.stopoverinpanama.com.
Jorge Correa, Deputy Administrator of the ATP, stated, “This joint effort with the private sector ensures that tourists make the most of their time in Panama, promoting a more complete tourism experience for those who choose to make a stopover in our country. It is undoubtedly an essential tool that strengthens the tourism value chain and generates significant economic impact.”
The campaign also highlights Panama’s short distances between major attractions, ranging from its rich cultural and natural heritage to its nightlife and shopping opportunities. Through the Hub of the Americas, Copa Airlines and PROMTUR Panama aim to continue leveraging the country’s strategic location to maximize tourism, positioning Panama as a diverse and accessible destination for visitors from around the world.
