Mayor of Panama City Offers Free Trip to Tourists Affected by Barcelona Protests

A recent wave of protests in Barcelona, Spain, against mass tourism has sparked an unusual promotional response from Mayer Mizrachi, the Mayor of Panama City. He has extended an invitation to affected tourists, offering them a free week-long trip to Panama, highlighting the stark contrast between the experiences in the two cities.

Background of the Protests

On July 6, Barcelona became the epicenter of protests where thousands took to the streets to oppose the overwhelming influx of tourists. Demonstrators voiced their discontent with the negative impact of mass tourism on local living costs and quality of life. During the protests, some activists resorted to dousing visitors with water and chanting slogans such as ‘tourists, go home.” Others exhibited signs with messages like ‘Barcelona is not for sale,’ echoing the frustrations of local residents concerned about the growing influence of tourism on their daily lives.

Panama’s Unique Offer

In response to the incidents in Spain, Mayor Mizrachi, who boasts a robust following on social media platforms—with nearly 200,000 followers on X, almost 500,000 on TikTok, and over 700,000 on Instagram—saw an opportunity to showcase Panama as a welcoming tourism alternative. He stated, ‘When I saw the news from Spain, I thought, ‘This cannot be, we need to take advantage of what they don’t want to say that we do welcome tourists.”

Mizrachi posted a video on his social networks where he extended an offer to those he deemed “mistreated” during the Barcelona protests. He specifically mentioned four individuals captured in a viral video who appeared to endure the worst of the situation. However, he also welcomed inquiries from any affected tourists. ‘It’s up to their conscience whether they think they can abuse it, but ultimately, I want tourists to come to Panama,’ he said.

Comprehensive Tourism Package

To make this invitation stand out, Mizrachi has organized a fully covered tourism package, which includes flights, excursions, and meals, at no cost to the tourists. He expressed his eagerness to personally greet the visitors at the airport and offer them a warm welcome, even suggesting a reception at the Municipal House in the historic Casco Viejo district.

In his promotion, Mizrachi emphasized the beauty of Panama, showcasing landmarks such as the Panama Canal, the Old Quarter, its beaches, and lush mountainous regions like Boquete. Notably, he has stressed that this initiative will not rely on public funds, as he inherited a city government burdened with debts exceeding $160 million.

“I’m proud to state that not a single dollar of public funds is being used. I’ve coordinated with various private sector tourism partners—airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies—that are eager to contribute to providing these tourists with the opportunity to discover our country,” he elaborated.

Panama’s Tourism Landscape

Mizrachi’s offer comes as Panama’s tourism sector continues to grow. According to the Panama Tourism Authority, more than 2.5 million visitors entered the country in 2023 alone, with nearly 1.8 million arriving through the Tocumen International Airport. Last year, visitors injected approximately $5.4 billion into the economy, with an average stay of eight days and daily expenditures around $271.

As Panama seeks to establish a distinct identity and brand for its city, akin to cities like Miami and New York, Mizrachi’s initiative aims not only to attract tourists but also to redefine the narrative surrounding travel to Panama in contrast to burgeoning anti-tourism sentiments seen in cities like Barcelona.

The formal launch of this ambitious campaign by the Mayor’s office is expected shortly, as officials aim to elevate Panama’s profile as a prime destination for tourists around the world.